The majority of exercise regimes out there present you with a wide range of workouts that seem to target all the usual problem areas except a flabby belly. Plus, our midsections are unfortunately one of the trickiest areas to tone.

We too have shown you how to get a more toned butt and thighs as well as how to get rid of flabby arms. Now we’ve put together three of the most effective abdominal (ab) exercises which will help you get that flat stomach you so desire.

1. Exercise Ball Crunch

Dust off that exercise ball which has been stashed in the back of your closet for the past few years and begin with the Exercise Ball Crunch. Using the ball is more effective than crunches on the floor, which make more use of your legs than your abs.

Let’s try it:

1. Position the ball underneath your lower back, plant your feet firmly on the ground and place your arms over your chest or behind your head for support.
2. Lift your torso off the ball, pulling yourself towards your hips. Remember to ensure that the ball is kept stable and doesn’t roll during this workout.
3. Slowly lower yourself back down and repeat 15 times.

Photo credit: healthbiznbuzz.blogspot.com

2. Planking

Many of you may have heard of the phrase “planking”. If not, it means “to lie horizontally, face down”. The planking exercise will not only help you tone the muscles in your stomach and strengthen your core, but it will also improve your back muscles and consequently your posture.

Let’s try it:

1. Lay face down, resting on your forearms and keeping your palms flat on the floor.
2. Slowly push yourself up from the floor and support yourself by resting on your toes and forearms.
3. Tighten your abdominal muscles to keep your body in a straight line. Hold this position for up to 60 seconds and repeat 5 times.

Photo credit: www.eastbaytrainer.com

3. Vertical Leg Crunch

The Vertical Leg Crunch is similar to a normal crunch, but you have to keep your legs straight up throughout this exercise, forcing your abs to do the hard work.

Let’s try it:

1. Lie on your back and extend your legs straight up into the air and cross your knees.
2. Place your hands behind your head and lift your shoulder blades off the floor.
3. Slowly bring your legs toward your face, using your abs and keeping your head and shoulders at the same height above the floor. Slowly move your legs back to form a 90° angle with the floor again. Repeat 12 times.

Photo credit: healthbiznbuzz.blogspot.com