Many women struggle with loose abdominal muscles. Pregnancy, aging and lifestyle choices can contribute to the development of soft abdominal muscles. In addition to enhancing your appearance, tightening your abdominal muscles can improve your balance and stability. According to the Mayo Clinic, most physical activities, including sports, rely on the stability of your core muscles. Strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles by focusing on exercises that target this important area.
Abdominal Hollowing Exercise
Get down on your hands and knees on the floor to perform this abdominal exercise. Allow your tummy to extend downward while you draw in a deep breath. Let your breath out while drawing your bellybutton inward, lifting the center of your abdomen upward and toward your spine. Hold this tight squeeze for 10 seconds. Release the muscles and relax for 10 seconds, then repeat. Don't allow your spine to bend or sway. Your abdominal muscles should do all the work. Increase the number of repetitions over the next few workouts, building up to 10 repetitions.
Extended Leg Movement
Lie flat on your back on a firm surface, with your legs extended up toward the ceiling. Place your arms at slightly below shoulder level, palms pressing the floor. Squeeze and tighten your abdominal muscles. Keeping your ankles together and your legs at a 90-degree angle to the floor, slowly lower both legs sideways, directing them toward the floor on your right side. Make your abdominal muscles do the work of holding the weight of your legs, while allowing your outspread arms to steady your upper body. Lower your legs as far as you comfortably can, then bring them back toward their upright position, keeping your knees straight and your ankles together. Slowly lower them toward your left side in the same manner.
Pelvic Tilt
The Mayo Clinic recommends doing pelvic tilts to tighten the lower abdominal muscles. To perform a pelvic tilt, lie with your back against the floor. Bend your knees, placing your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your abdominal muscles, pressing your lower backbone tightly to the floor. Bend your pelvis up slightly. Hold this position for about five to 10 seconds. Relax and repeat this exercise four more times. Increase the amount of repetitions until you perform 10 to 20 repetitions during each of your abdominal workouts.
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