Diet alone won't give you taut, toned abs or a perfect six-pack. Exercise is essential to tone your core muscles, create muscle definition, and give you the firm, fit appearance you want. These effective abdominal exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment, making them an ideal addition to any fitness routine.
Crunches
While crunches are a tummy-toning classic, this reinvention of the situp is only a top-notch abdominal workout if done on a stability ball. The stability ball looks like an oversized beach ball, but this piece of workout gear isn't just for kids. Lay on the ball, resting it under the small of your back. Rest your hands behind your head and crunch up. Twist the crunches diagonally to intensify the work for your oblique muscles.
Ride a Bike
The bicycle maneuver was the top ranked exercise for the rectus abdominus and the second best choice for the obliques, according to the American Council on Exercise. Lay on a mat with your legs bent and raised at a 90 degree angle. Bring your head up slightly. Draw your right leg and left elbow toward one another, then return to your starting position. Continue, alternating legs and arms as you go.
Vertical Crunches
Vertical leg crunches are another way to get flat abs without anything more than a mat or towel on the floor. Lay on your back and bring your legs up, vertically. Raise your head and shoulders off the ground as you lift your legs. Hold, then release slowly and with control. The vertical leg crunch is especially effective on the rectus abdominus muscle.
Reverse Crunches
Reverse crunches target your entire core, working all the muscles effectively. Lay down and extend your arms out to the sides. Draw your knees in toward your chest and roll your back upward. Lower your legs slowly and repeat to tone your abdominals and get the flat stomach you want.
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