Exercises To Flatten My Stomach

The stomach muscles are made up of four main muscles: the rectus abdominis, the transversus abdominis and the external and internal obliques. All of these muscles need to be worked in order to flatten your stomach. A flat, toned stomach is achievable by using certain exercises that directly work all four of these abdominal muscles.

Half-Crow Push-up

This exercise is a twist on the standard push-up and works your core and rectus abdominis muscles to flatten your stomach. Start in a full push-up position, with your palms on the floor and under your elbows, your legs straight behind you and your abs tight. Bring your right knee up and out to the side so it is touching your right elbow. Bend your elbows and lower your entire body until your upper arms are parallel with the floor. Lift yourself back up while bringing your right foot back to the start. Repeat on the opposite side. Keep your abdominals flexed throughout the move to remain balanced and work your core muscles.

Bicycle Crunch

The bicycle crunch will increase your heart rate to burn more calories, as well as work your inner and outer obliques. Lie face up on the floor or a mat with your knees bent and lifted above your hips. Interlace your hands behind your head. Tighten your abs and press the small of your back into the floor. Exhale as you extend your right leg out straight and at the same time lift your shoulders off the floor and bring your right shoulder and your left leg toward each other. Repeat on the other side.

Boat Pose

The boat pose works your inner core--abdominal, pelvis and back--muscles to help flatten your stomach muscles. Sit on the floor with your legs extended out in front of you. Lift your legs to a 45-degree angle, using your stomach muscles to pull them up. Lower your upper torso slightly back, so your body makes a V shape. Extend your arms out in a straight line with your palms facing up to help you stay balanced.

Supine Reverse Crunches

This exercise works your rectus abdominus and transversus abdominus muscles for a flat stomach. Lie face up with your knees bent and your arms lying by your side with palms up. Flex your abdominal muscles and lift your knees into the air until they are above your hips and form a 90-degree angle. Flex your abs and exhale, slowly raising your hips off the mat. Bring your knees towards your head while crunching your stomach muscles. Pause, then inhale and lower your hips to the floor.