There seems to be no end to ways of working out your abs. Depending on your fitness goals and preferences, some methods may suit you better than others. Beyond the familiar sit-up, there are a number of conventional ab moves such as twists and crunches. Yoga and Pilates also offer systems to develop core body strength. Another option is body-weight exercises such as chin-ups and push-ups, which engage your abs as you strengthen other muscles.
Traditional Methods
Anyone who's been to a gym has probably seen a flurry of ab activities, but many exercises are simply variations of old standbys: twists, crunches and leg pull-ins. Specifically, you can perform plated, barbell or Russian twists, according to Bodybuilding.com. These are all effective methods for toning abs. You can also perform crunches on the floor, an exercise ball or in the air with a chin-up bar. To add to your options, many gyms also have crunch machines, ab rollers and hyper-extension benches.
Yoga
Yoga isn't just about finding peace and oneness --- it's also a way to build ab strength. Yoga works abdominal muscles such as your obliques and transversus, according to "Yoga Journal." Many moving asanas or sequences engage these muscles as do forward bends. Poses such as plank, boat and bow also stretch and condition your midsection.
Pilates
Like yoga, Pilates can shape the inner abdominal muscles. The goal, according to Yoga.com, is not to get ripped but to strengthen your inner belly. Although Pilates is a comprehensive core development process, some experts recommend specific exercises for ab development. For example, "the hundred" involves lying on your back, barely lifting your chin and chest off the ground and pumping your arms at your side, all while controlling your breath.
Push and Pull
Compound body-weight exercises such as push-ups, chin-ups and pull-ups utilize multiple muscle groups, but they also target your core. While these movements mainly develop your chest or back, your abdominal muscles play an important stabilizing role. As a result, when you perform a push-up or similar body-weight exercise, you also work your abs.
Considerations
Ab workouts can strengthen your core. What they won't necessarily do is give you the six-pack of your dreams. That's because there is a subcutaneous layer of fat between your abs and skin. Developing the much-coveted six-pack can be difficult and depends on diet, age, metabolism and a number of other factors. Discuss your fitness goals with your physician or personal trainer before beginning any exercise program.
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