Achieving a toned stomach takes work and discipline. Not only do you need to exercise, but you also have to follow a dedicated, healthy diet plan. Otherwise all the hard work you put in will be canceled out. Exercises that are good for toning will work all regions of the stomach. This includes the upper and lower rectus abdominis and the inner and outer obliques. Your obliques are found on your sides.
Plank
The plank is an isometric exercise that does not require repetitive movement or any equipment. To do this exercise, place your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor and place your toes together behind your body. While keeping your arms fully extended, lift your hips in the air and contract your abs to form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Hold this position until you feel fatigued.
For a variation, alternate extending each leg out to your side. This will place more emphasis on the obliques.
Another moving variation is performed with your legs spread out slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Alternate the lowering and lifting of your hips in a steady motion. Each time you go down and up, make sure to contract your abs to do the work.
Knee Tucks
Knee tucks work the upper and lower abs and you need a stability ball to do these. After placing your lower shins on the ball and your hands on the floor, roll the ball toward your head, tuck your knees into your chest and roll it back out. Keep your arms fully extended and back straight throughout.
For a more intense variation, do the exercise one leg at a time. If you do not have access to a stability ball, perform it on your kitchen floor by placing your toes on a towel.
Ballet Twist
A ballet twist works your entire stomach with an emphasis on your obliques. While sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you, extend your arms overhead and lean backward so your back is 45 degrees to the floor.
Slowly twist your torso to your left side and place your left forearm flat on the floor. As you do this, extend your right arm over head to your right side and feel the stretch in your obliques. Slowly come back to the starting point and repeat on your right side. Keep your abs tight throughout and your legs still.
Slams
Slams work the upper and lower abs and they require a medicine ball. While standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, hold the ball straight above your head, lift onto your tiptoes and forcefully throw the ball into the ground in a chopping motion. When you do this, forcefully contract your abdominals. Pick the ball up off the bounce and repeat.
Camel Pose
The camel pose is a yoga exercise that stretches and strengthens the abs. While kneeling on the floor with the top of your feet flat, sit up and form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Carefully reach back and place your hands on your feet. As you do this, arch your back, puff your chest forward and let your head hang down. Your arms should be completely extended at this point. Hold for at least 20 seconds and release.
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