When excess fat accumulates in the lower stomach area of the body, serious health risks increase. Many men and women who struggle with abdominal area fat not only feel ashamed of this aspect of their appearance, but also risk death by stroke, colorectal cancer, heart attack or diabetes. While lower stomach-flattening exercises won't make up for poor eating habits and won't eliminate excess fat on their own, such exercises can potentially improve both appearance and health.
Leg Circles
Leg circles are a Pilates-type exercise that can potentially shrink your lower stomach area. To perform this move, lie flat on your back on an exercise, Pilates or yoga mat. Raise your right leg toward the ceiling; keep your left leg and your palms flat on the floor. Hold your right leg in the air for at least 10 seconds. Inhale and make a small circle with your toes. Contract your abs as you rotate your leg. Exhale and repeat the movement at least five times before switching to left-leg circles.
Basic Crunches
Basic crunches are a classic abdominal-flattening exercise. To get started with crunches, first lie down on your exercise mat with your knees bent and arms crossed over your chest. Using only your lower stomach muscles, sit up without actually touching your thighs; sitting up too far can bring unnecessary stress to your lower back. While doing your basic crunches, keep those abdominal muscles tight.
Back Extensions
Back extensions with rotations can also help tone your lower abdomen. Lie flat on your exercise mat, with your face down against your hands. Your feet must be about one hip's width apart. Tighten your abdominal muscles. Lift your upper body off the floor and then rotate to the left and back to the center. Lower your body to the floor. Repeat the exercise at least six times on each side of your body.
Captain's Chair
The Captain's Chair requires you to sit on an armless chair or weight bench. Firmly grip with your hands the sides of the chair or bench; this step provides safety and stability. Carefully move your knees toward your chest, maintaining slow and steady control of the motion. Use your abdominal muscles rather than your lower back to perform this exercise. Repeat at least 10 times.
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