The stomach consists of upper and lower abdominal muscles. When you're trying to tighten your stomach, focus on both of these parts. Regardless of how easy the exercises are, take into consideration that they won't cause weight loss. The only way to lose the layer of fat in your stomach is through cardiovascular exercise.
Seated Ab Contractions
Seated ab contractions are done with no range of motion, and you can do them any time of day. Sit in a chair with your body upright. Squeeze your abs as hard as you can and hold for a full second. Release and repeat. You can do these while driving; you can also do them from a standing position while waiting in line at the grocery store.
Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic tilts are a corrective exercise for lower back pain that also help tighten the stomach muscles. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tilt your pelvis as you flatten your back down on the floor. Contract your abs forcefully and hold for a full second. Release and repeat for a series of reps.
Crunches
Crunches are a basic stomach tightening exercise. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Fold your arms across your chest and lift your shoulders about six inches off the ground as you contract your abs. Squeeze for a second, lower yourself back down without resting, and repeat.
Leg Raises
Leg raises are a lower ab exercise. Lie on your back and place your hands under your tailbone. This takes pressure off your spine. Lift both legs about six inches off the floor. This is your starting point. Lift your legs up to a point where the soles of your feet are parallel to the ceiling and lower them back to the starting point.
Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks are a variation of leg lifts. Lie on your back and lift your legs up to the same starting position as leg lifts. Lift your right leg up in the air until your sole is parallel to the ceiling. Lower it back to the starting point as you lift your other leg up in the air. Keep alternating up and down in a scissor motion for a series of reps.
Plank Lifts
Plank lifts work the stomach and all stabilizing muscles of the core. Come into a face-down position on your forearms and toes. Spread your feet hip-width apart and drop your hips down toward the ground. Reverse the movement and lift your hips up in the air so your body is at an angle. Lower your hips back down and repeat. Focus on using your abdominal muscles to perform the movement.
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