Good Abdominal Exercises for a Flat Stomach

Many search for good abdominal exercises. But is a good abdominal exercise? To me is an exercise that maximizes every movement you make and at the same time is accessible and easy to do without injuries.

Of course they have to work good too.  So I set to talk to a friend who is a fitness instructor in the gym I used to go, here are his favorite exercises for developing your abdominal muscles.  His advice: “Stick to your abs exercises, don’t skip days for two week, and then you’ll be on autopilot”    

Vertical Leg Crunch

This is a variation of the common crunch, but with a twist for extra fat burning.

1. Lie on your back on a flat surface, using a mat or a towel.
2. Put your hands behind your ears.
3. Lift your legs into the air locking them at the ankles and bending slightly your knees.
4. Raise your head, shoulders and upper back to a 30 degree angle by using your abs.
5. Go back slowly and repeat for a set.

Hip Lift

A simple yet difficult exercise for me at first that works the lower stomach primarily.

1. Like in the vertical crunch, start on the floor.
2. Extend your arms to the sides with palms facing the sky.
3. Bring your legs up and keep the straight.
4. Lift your hips a few inches and then hold it right there for 3 seconds.
5. Slowly bring back your body to the starting position.

Long Arm Crunch

1. Remain on the floor, knees bent and your feet flat on the surface.
2. Lie back and extend your arms straight back on the floor as though you are reaching above your head.
3. Contract your abs and slowly lift your arms, head and shoulders off the floor to about a thirty degree angle.
4. Hold the movement there for a second, and then slowly lower your shoulders back to the floor and to the starting position. Repeat for an entire set.

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