A toned stomach can give you a slimmer appearance, improved posture and extra strength for heavy lifting. Exercising your abs for about seven minutes three times a week is enough to provide noticeable results, says exercise physiologist Reine Villim in a "Good Housekeeping" article on abdominal exercises. When starting your abdominal workout, try out exercises slowly and tighten your abs to ensure you have proper form.
Torso Twists
Torso twists are easy exercises for beginners who want to get started working their abs. Stand and hold your arms out to your sides so your body makes a "T" shape. Slowly twist your abdomen to one side, and then the other, while keeping your hips and legs facing forward. You won't feel the burn if you swing your shoulders. Tighten your abdominal muscles to ensure that they're the ones doing the twisting.
Tailbone Lifts
Tailbone lifts target the lower abdominal region -- a problem area for people with a belly bulge. Lie on the floor with your arms over your head and your legs sticking straight up in the air, ankles crossed. Tighten your abs and lift your tailbone off the ground, and then slowly lower it back down. Leandro Carvahlo, inventor of the Brazilian Tummy Tuck class at Equinox Fitness Clubs, recommends 30 repetitions, according to "Marie Claire" magazine.
Reverse Curls
Reverse curls are another killer exercise that target your lower abdominal muscles. Lie on the floor with your arms against your sides and your knees bent over your stomach. Exhale and bring your knees in toward your shoulders. Raise your tailbone off the floor. Hold this position for a count of two, then slowly lower yourself back to the start position. Repeat several times.
Crunches
Crunches may seem traditional, but "Good Housekeeping" hails them as one of the most effective tummy-toning exercises. To perform properly, lie on your back with bent knees and arms crossed over your chest. Raise just your shoulders off the floor, and then lower them back down without letting your head touch the ground. Repeat as many as you can. If you experience lower back pain or strain, try propping your calves up on a chair or sofa so they are parallel to the ground. Don't use momentum to perform this exercise. Keep your tailbone and hips in contact with the floor at all times, and use your abdominal strength to raise your shoulders.
Plank
The plank works your core muscles, including your abs. Lie on your stomach, and then prop yourself up on your elbows and forearms and the balls of your feet. Tighten your abs to keep your tummy and back from sinking toward the floor. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. For an added challenge, prop yourself up on your hands instead of your elbows and forearms, or balance your upper body on a bench and your legs on an exercise ball. All versions work your abs hard.
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