Ab exercises rise in fall in popularity, so it is difficult to distinguish the good from the bad. The ab exercises that you want to do are the ones that work, and unfortunately there is some difference here for each person. Staple exercises like the bicycle maneuver or stability ball crunch are "good" exercises because they have been shown to work. Incorporating standing ab exercises into your routine is smart too, because your hip flexors can't do the work for you.
Bicycle Maneuver
The bicycle maneuver mimics pedaling a bicycle from a lying down position while rotating your torso. This action employs your oblique muscles on your abdomen. Holding your head and shoulders off the ground works your rectus abdominus muscle too. This is the muscle that is commonly known as the six-pack muscle. To perform the bicycle maneuver, lie on your back with your hands behind your head. Bend your knees and pull them toward your stomach. Raise your head and shoulders off the floor with your elbows opened wide. This is the starting position. Next, twist your upper body to the right and straighten your left leg. Twist to the left and switch your legs.
Stability Ball Crunch
The stability ball crunch employs the basic movement of a crunch, but is performed on an exercise, stability or Swiss ball instead of the floor or a bench. The crunch exercise works the rectus abdominus and obliques through an action called spinal flexion, which moves your shoulders forward and shortens the distance between them and your pelvis. To perform a stability ball crunch, sit on a ball with your feet flat on the floor. Lean back until your upper body is parallel to the floor and your knees are bent at 90 degrees. Support your neck with your hands on the back of your neck. Then, round your back and bring your shoulders toward the ceiling. Slowly lower back to the starting position.
Knee Cross Crunch
The knee cross crunch is a standing exercise that works your balance and your core. The transversus abdominus is used during standing exercises to support your torso. The transversus abdominus is the third of the abdominal muscles. It is found beneath the obliques. To perform a knee cross crunch, stand up straight with your left arm overhead and your right hand on your hip. Shift your weight onto your left leg and point your right toe. Then, lift your right knee toward your left shoulder and bend your left arm to bring your elbow toward your knee. Touch the ball of your right foot back onto the floor and raise your left arm straight toward the ceiling.
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