Seated Ab Exercises

Most abdominal exercises are done on the floor or on ab machines, although recently it has become popular to do ab exercises standing up. This doesn't mean that you can't get an ab workout doing seated exercises. The rectus abdominus and transverse adbominus muscles on the front of your stomach and the side oblique muscles can all be strengthened with seated abdominal exercises.

Seated Bicycle

The seated bicycle is a challenging core exercise. It involves torso rotation so it hits those oblique muscles on the sides of your stomach that many ab exercises do not target. To perform the seated bicycle, sit up straight on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. Pull your toes back to flex your feet. Lean back slightly without rounding your back. Place your fingertips behind your ears with your elbows open wide. Next, bend your right knee and pull it toward your chest as you twist your upper body to the right. Hold for two seconds. Straighten your right leg 2 inches from the floor and pull your left knee toward your chest. Rotate your upper body to the left. Hold for two seconds. Continue twisting your upper body and switching your legs.

Seated Ax Chop

Although this exercise is usually done standing, the seated ax chop exercise works your abs, obliques, shoulders, triceps and upper back. A resistance band or cable is used for resistance and you will need a chair without arms to sit in. A stool or bench may be used as well. Wrap the middle of a band around a stationary object or secure it to a door handle. Sit facing the object or door and adjust the height of the band if needed so it is above your head. Hold the ends of the band between your hands with your hands together and your arms straight out at chest level. Next, twist to the right and pull your arms toward your right hip without bending your elbows. Raise your arms back to chest level and twist back to center. Repeat to the left.

Seated Medicine Ball Trunk Rotations

The seated medicine ball trunk rotation is a simple exercise done seated on the floor or an exercise bench. A weighted medicine ball provides the resistance for your abs and obliques. Sit down with your legs pressed together in front of you and your knees bent slightly. Pull your toes toward you so your heels only are on the floor. Hold the sides of the ball with your palms facing each other and bring the ball in front of your sternum with your elbows bent. Twist your body from side to side without leaning back, lowering the ball or rounding your lower back.