Situps and crunches both work the rectus abdominis, often just referred to as "the abs." When executed with proper form and good body alignment, these exercises pay dividends on your musculature. But there is more to abdominal exercise than curling your torso forward. If you are looking to add more zest to your ab workouts, step away from basic situps and crunches.
Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers work the abs, legs, butt and back all at the same time. Being that these are performed in a fast pace, you also get a cardiovascular benefit. Start out by placing your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor and legs in a staggered stance. This is the same position you'd be in for a track race. Keeping your hips low and upper body still, quickly shift your feet back and forth under your body. Act as if you're running in place. For a variation, move your opposite knee toward your opposite elbow when shifting your leg forward. This will bias the emphasis more toward your obliques -- the muscles on the sides of your stomach.
Plank Raises
Plank raises, also known as butt raises, place emphasis on the upper abs and lower back. These are spinoffs of plank holds which are held for an extended period of time. Begin by placing your forearms flat on the floor and feet together behind your body. Steadily lift your hips off the floor and form a straight line from your shoulders to your heels. Slowly lower your hips down toward the floor, then lift them up in the air so your body forms an inverted angle. Squeeze your abs forcefully for a second, lower yourself back down and repeat.
Side Bend
A side bend zeros in on the obliques, and it also works muscles in the mid to lower back. You will need one dumbbell to perform these. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the weight in your right hand with your arm hanging by your side. After placing your left hand on your hip, bend laterally to your right and lower the weight toward the floor. Rise back up in a steady motion, repeat for a set of reps and switch sides. For a variation, hold a stability ball straight above your head with your arms fully extended. Keep your lower body still and bend laterally to your right and left side.
Slammers
Slammers, also known as medicine ball slams, work the abs, chest, shoulders, upper back and legs at the same time. In similar fashion to mountain climbers, they quickly get your heart rate up. Start by holding the ball directly over your head and space your feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly rise up on your tiptoes, then forcefully throw the ball into the ground in front of you. As you do this, bend your knees and hips. As soon as the ball bounces up, grab it and repeat the exercise.
Boat Pose
The boat pose is a yoga exercise designed to strengthen the abs without motion. Begin by sitting on the floor with your knees bent. Slowly lean backward, extend your legs up in the air and move your arms straight out parallel to the floor. Your body should now be in a "V" shape at this point. Hold this position until you feel fatigued and slowly release.
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