What Is A Really Good Ab Workout?

There are dozens of different abdominal exercises you can perform, but not all are equally effective. The American Council on Exercise website rates a number of ab exercises as working all of the abdominal muscles or more of them than others. Therefore, for a good ab workout, focus on only three or four exercises. Beyond thousands of crunches, it is also important to remember that correct diet and cardiovascular exercise play a large role in the development of a flat stomach. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen.

Bicycle Kicks

This exercise work the entire length of the rectus abdominis and the obliques. Lie on your back and raise your knees toward your chest, creating a 90-degree angle. Support the back of your head with your hands, elbows pointing outward. The motion of the exercise should see the upper torso elevate and twist sideways, with one elbow touching the opposite knee while the other leg stretches out. Repeat on the other side, and continue as desired.

Vertical Leg Crunch

Lie on your back and raise your legs up, keeping them as straight as possible. Your body and legs should now be at a right-angle shape. Keep your hips on the ground. From this position, perform a regular crunch. Elevate your upper torso toward your legs, clenching the abs, then return to start position. This will work both the upper and lower rectus abdominis.

Captain's Chair

The captain's chair exercise requires the gym machine of the same name. Press your back into the back of the captain's chair (which has no seat) and support your body weight on your arms and shoulders, grasping the handles at the end of the arm rests; do not slouch. Raise your knees up toward your stomach, then lower down. Once you become more advanced, you should be able to perform the same motion but with your legs locked straight. This works the lower rectus abdominis particularly well.

Swiss Ball Sit-Up

This involves a standard ab crunch but balanced on a Swiss ball. Sit on the side of the ball and lean back so that the ball's top is halfway up your back. Feet should be flat on the floor and knees bent at close to 90 degrees. Bring your upper torso toward your legs, going as far as a 45-degree angle, and then returning to starting position, the ShapeFit website instructs. Clench the abs as you go.