Abdominal exercise is part of most workout programs in one form or another. You can get an effective ab workout from a few different positions. Some people prefer to be on their back on the floor, others like to work abs kneeling or seated, while some choose to work abdominals from a standing position.
Wood Chops
As the name suggests, wood chops simulate chopping wood. You can do the exercise holding a dumbbell or a medicine ball with both hands. Stand with your feet around shoulder width apart and hold the weight over either shoulder. Move your arms down and across your torso in a wood chopping motion and finish beside your opposite hip. Do the chop on both sides.
Barbell Twist
The barbell twist exercise works your oblique muscles from a standing position. Lift a light barbell and place it across your shoulder. Hold the ends of the bar with your palms facing the floor. Position your feet shoulder width apart and gently twist your torso from side to side, keeping your feet planted on the floor the entire time. Keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
Knee Cross Crunch
The knee cross crunch might be performed a couple of different ways. First, hold your left arm up in the air and place your weight on your left leg. Drive your right knee up and across your body while at the same time bringing your arm down so your elbow and knee meet in the middle. Return to the start and repeat. Do a full set on one side, then do the other side. An alternate way to do the exercise is to place your hands behind your ears and alternate bringing your left elbow to your right knee and right elbow to left knee.
Figure 8's
A medicine ball is an effective tool to add resistance to a figure 8 motion. Hold the ball with both hands out in front of your midsection and slowly draw the shape of a horizontal figure 8 in the air in front of you. Use your core muscles to help make the movement, to ensure they are fully engaged.
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