Sporting a sleek, sexy waist can go a long way in boosting your self-confidence when wearing tight-fitting clothes. To reach this goal, you must work your abdominal muscles from various angles and use perfect form with your exercises. Fitness tools such as dumbbells, medicine balls and benches can all be implemented into your exercises.
Hip Lifts
Hip lifts target the lower abs, and are done from a face-up position on the floor. Place your arms at your sides with your legs lifted and feet parallel to the ceiling. In a steady motion, lift your hips off the floor and push your legs at a slight angle over your head by contracting your lower abs. Slowly lower and repeat 15 to 20 times.
Scissor Crunches
Scissor crunches target your lower abs and obliques. Lie on your back with your hands under your butt, and legs lifted about 12 inches off the floor. In a steady motion, spread your legs into a "V" shape and move them back together, crossing your right leg over your left. Quickly spread them apart and move them back together with the opposite leg on top. Continue for a set of 15 to 20 repetitions.
Push Sit-ups
Push sit-ups work your upper and lower abs, and you need a decline bench and dumbbells to do them. Lie face-up on the bench with your lower shins anchored under the padded support and the dumbbells held straight above you. Keeping your arms straight, lift your torso off the bench and move your chest toward your thighs as you push the weights straight toward the ceiling. Slowly lower and repeat 15 to 20 times.
Diagonal Chop
Diagonal chops work your obliques, and are performed with a medicine ball. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, the ball held above your left shoulder and arms fully extended. In a fast motion, swing the ball across your body at a downward angle until it is outside your right shin. Slowly bring it back up and repeat. After doing 15 to 20 reps, switch sides.
Jack Knife
A jack knife works your lower and upper abs at the same time. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides and legs straight. Quickly lift your shoulders and legs off the floor while tucking your knees into your chest. After squeezing your abs forcefully, lower yourself back down and repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions. When lowering, do not let your shoulders or legs touch the floor.
Heel Touch Crunch
Heel touch crunches target your upper abs. Lie on your back with your legs lifted, knees bent 90 degrees and shins parallel to the floor. Your arms should be at your sides at this point. In a steady motion, lift your torso off the floor, and squeeze your abs forcefully as you move your hands to your heels. Slowly lower and repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions.
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