Target your stomach muscles with simple exercises for the best way to work your abs. It's not enough to tone your abs, though -- you also need to burn belly fat. Combine strength training with cardiovascular exercise to sculpt a lean, muscular stomach. Focus on your form to avoid injury; work with a personal trainer to ensure you're performing your exercises properly. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise routine.
Bicycle Maneuver
Use the bicycle maneuver for the best way to work your rectus abdominus muscle, recommends the American Council on Exercise, or ACE. Your rectus abdominus runs down the center of your stomach. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent to form a 90-degree angle. Engage your abdominal muscles. Extend your left leg as you twist your torso to touch your left elbow to your right knee. Bring in your left leg as you extend your right leg while simultaneously twisting your torso to the left so you can touch your right elbow to your left knee. Don't let your feet touch the floor as you alternate sides.
Captain's Chair
Use the captain's chair to target your oblique muscles, which run along your sides. The captain's chair consists of a padded back and two armrests but no actual seat. Stand between the padded bars, press your back against the chair and rest your arms on the bars. Support your body with your abdominal muscles as you lift your legs and bend your knees, bringing them to your chest.
Crunches
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross your hands over your chest, interlace them behind your head or extend your arms straight over your head; choose the position that feels comfortable. Raise your head and shoulders off the ground, lifting your torso toward your hips. Take two seconds to come up into the crunch, hold the position for two seconds and take two more seconds to return to your starting position. Use an inflatable exercise ball for maximum benefits, recommends ACE. Sit on the exercise ball and walk your feet out until your back rests on the ball. Keep your feet flat on the floor as you perform your crunches.
Reverse Crunches
Work your lower abs with reverse crunches. Lie on your back, bend your knees and cross your ankles -- keep your feet in the air. Put your hands behind your head or rest your arms by your sides. Press your lower back into the floor and tighten your abdominal muscles. As you contract your stomach muscles, your legs should move toward the ceiling and your hips will rotate a bit.
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