Ab exercises are often used for fat reduction in the stomach. In actuality, they are next to useless when it comes to melting away excess fat. That would be spot reduction which is not possible. If you do in fact want to reduce fat, you have to do cardiovascular exercises. By adding ab exercises to the mix, you will tone and tighten your midsection as you strip away the pounds.
Plank
A plank is a basic, moderate intensity ab exercise that involves nothing but your body. To begin, lie on your stomach with your feet together and hands about shoulder-width apart. Steadily push yourself off the floor until your arms are fully extended and form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. You will feel your abs contracting to get into this position. Hold for as long as possible and slowly lower yourself down. For a variation, place your forearms on the floor. You can also do a side plank to target the obliques which are on the sides of the stomach. Perform this with your body sideways and legs stacked on top of each other. You will only have one hand or forearm on the floor with this exercise.
Running
Running is a type of cardio that burns calories and works the muscles in the butt and legs. If you were to do sprints, you would increase your metabolism after your workout. As an added bonus, you are forced to contract your abs forcefully when you run hard to create more power.
Windshield Wiper
The windshield wiper is an ab exercise that particularly targets the obliques. To begin, lie on your back with your legs lifted, knees bent 90 degrees and shins parallel to the floor. Your arms should be outstretched at your sides with your palms flat on the floor. Slowly lower your legs to your right side as far as possible by rotating your hips. Lift your legs back up and rotate them to your left side. Alternate back and forth in a steady and controlled motion. For a more challenging variation, perform this exercise with your legs extended straight in the air.
Elliptical Training
Elliptical training is close in comparison to cross country skiing. Of course, the big difference is you are inside. To do this form of cardio, stand on the platforms of the machine and grasp the poles with your hands at about shoulder level. Keeping your core tight and back straight, move the poles and platforms back and forth in an alternating fashion. The main advantage with elliptical training is that you work your upper and lower body at the same time. As an added bonus, there is little stress on your knees, hips and back according to MayoClinic.com.
Stability Ball Sit-Ups
Stability ball sit-ups target the abdominals from a semi-seated position. Using a ball causes you to be off balance which helps recruit a high amount of muscle fiber. To start out, lie face-up on the ball with your head ans shoulders lifted and slightly above parallel to the floor. Place your hands on the sides of your head and lift your torso forward while keeping your lower body still. Squeeze your abs forcefully for a second, slowly lower yourself back down and repeat. To increase the resistance, hold a medicine ball or weight plate in front of your chest.
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