Rock Hard Ab Exercises

Do you include a few sets of crunches after every workout, but wonder why you aren't developing washboard abs? Using a limited variety of exercises or working only one section of your abs is not enough to make them well defined. You need to target every area of your midsection to give your stomach a chiseled appearance. Check with your doctor before trying new ab exercises, especially if you have back or other issues.

Push Situps

Performing push situps stimulates the upper abs. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Hold a barbell with your arms extended over your chest and both hands facing forward. Lift your torso off the floor while lifting the barbell overhead. Slowly lower your upper body toward the floor, and return your arms to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 20 repetitions, or as you are able.

Hanging Leg Raises

Hanging leg raises target your lower abs while engaging your external obliques and lower back. Hold a pullup bar with your palms facing away from you and spaced shoulder-width apart. Hang from the bar with your legs extended toward the floor and your feet together. Lift your legs until they are parallel to the floor, hold for a moment, then lower them to the starting position. Repeat the motion for four sets of 20 repetitions.

V-ups

V-ups activate your abs, external obliques and lower back muscles. Sit with your knees bent and feet elevated about 6 inches off the floor. Place your hands beside your hips with both hands facing forward. Lower your torso backward to a 45-degree angle while extending your legs straight. Keep your feet elevated throughout the movement. Tighten your abs and bring your knees in, and lift your upper body, returning to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 20 repetitions.

Stability Ball Planks

Doing stability ball planks develops your abs while recruiting your core muscles for balance. Begin on your knees on the floor with your elbows on top of the ball. Press up onto your toes so your elbows and feet are supporting your body weight. Keep your abs tightened, and don't allow your back to arch in the middle. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Put your knees back on the floor to rest after each set. Repeat for four 30-second sets.