The Best Abdominal Exercises And Not Just Crunches

The Best Abdominal Exercises and Not Just Crunches

Jun 14, 2011 | By Nicole Hogan

You're tired of looking down to see extra weight in your midsection, so you decide to do crunches every night in an attempt to flatten your stomach. Performing a countless number of crunches only targets one area of your abdominal muscles and can be ineffective if used alone. For an effective abdominal workout, you need exercises that recruit all of the muscles in the midsection. You can develop abdominal muscle without performing one single crunch.

Stability Ball Planks

Stability ball planks work your abs, obliques and lower back. Begin on your knees with your elbows resting on the stability ball. Keep your elbows bent at a 90 degree angle. Press yourself up onto your toes so your elbows and feet are supporting your body weight. Squeeze your abs and keep your spine in a straight line. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat for four 30-second holds.

V-ups

V-ups stimulate all of the core muscles including the abs, obliques and lower back. Start seated with your knees bent and feet elevated. Place your hands beside your hips. Lower your upper body back to a 45-degree angle while extending your legs straight. Don't allow your feet off of the ground. Squeeze your abs and bring your upper body and knees in together. Repeat the motion for four sets of 25 repetitions.

Leg Raises

Leg raises target the lower abs. Lie on your back with your feet together and legs extended straight toward the ceiling. Place your hands underneath your hips to keep your lower back pressed against the floor. Lower your legs down until your feet are six inches from the ground. Squeeze your abs and lift your legs up, returning to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 25 repetitions.

Side Planks

Side planks work the core muscles while targeting the external and internal obliques. Lie on your right side with your legs extended straight and feet together. Support your upper body with your right elbow. Lift your hips off of the floor and hold this position for 30 seconds. Keep your shoulders and hips square. Don't allow your body to lean forward, taking the focus off of your core. Repeat the exercise for four sets of 30 seconds.