Toned abdominal muscles can do more than help you look good in a bathing suit. Working your abdominal and core muscles can reduce back pain, improve posture and help your balance. Ab workouts need to include more than just sit-ups to tone all parts of your abdominal muscles and achieve the best results, both in strength and appearance.
Function
Abdominal workouts strengthen and tone the muscles of the abdomen and core, including the upper abdominals, lower abdominals, oblique muscles and back. Include abdominal exercises in your workouts at least a few times a week for the best results. Strength training exercises alone won't give you a flat tummy, but when done together with a healthy diet and cardiovascular exercise program, the result can be significant positive changes in your body.
Types
Ab workouts do not require specialized equipment or a visit to the gym, and can be done at home on a yoga mat or a carpeted floor. Traditional calisthenics, Pilates style exercises and yoga inspired moves can all be used to tone your abs. Use a chair or fitness ball to add variety to your home abdominal workout and to make it easier to work all parts of your abdominals.
Considerations
The abdominal crunch is a classic and effective exercise. Varying the angle of your legs or arms or doing crunches on a fitness ball can help integrate different muscles in this exercise. Incorporate abdominal leg presses by lying down in the traditional crunch position, on your back with legs bent, and bringing one or both knees up, twisting as you do so to work the sides of your abdomen. Simple variations on these exercises can provide you with a comprehensive ab workout.
Features
While Pilates style exercises may not incorporate a lot of movement, these strength training moves provide a thorough abdominal workout. Try the Pilates Hundred. Lie on your back and raise your legs and shoulders off the ground, with your lower back pressed firmly toward the floor and your palms facing down. Vigorously pump your arms, aiming for 100 pumps. Plank, which looks like the fully raised position of a push-up, modified plank, and side plank exercises also provide a comprehensive ab workout.
Warning
As with any exercise program, you should consult your physician prior to starting, particularly if you are new to working out. Start slowly, increasing repetitions and difficulty as your strength increases. If you work your muscles to the point of fatigue, allow a day for recovery between workouts, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
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