Best Ab Exercises

The best ab exercises, combine working the oblique, which are the side muscles, the lower abdominals, the mid section and also the upper section. It is also important to work the back muscles to ensure a stable and strong core. This will help your posture, flatten your stomach and help you look and feel younger.

Some of the best ab exercises are crunches. There are crunches for the front abs, sides and even the lower abs. These exercises are better for the body then sit ups because they do not strain the back as much.

Traditional Crunch

A crunch is performed simply by lying on your back on a mat with your legs bent and raising the upper portion of your body a few inches off the ground, just enough to feel the strain in the stomach muscles. The key to these movements is to be sure your stomach is doing the work and not your head, or arms. Also, it is important to keep everything straight, do not lift the head more then the shoulders or back. Keep your lower back pressed down on the mat.

Side Crunch

Lie down on one side. For simplicity, let us say you are on your right side to start. Bring your right arm across your waist so that your right hand comes to rest on your left side. Touch your ear with the fingertips of your left hand, so that your left elbows winds up pointing straight upward. Lift your shoulders up off the floor while simultaneously raising your left leg to height of about twelve inches (30 cm). Contract your obliques as you do this. Hold for a few seconds, then gently lie back down. Do this for an entire set, then switch to the other side.

For an easier side crunch, lay on your back.This exercise is performed the same way as the crunch, only the body is twisted slightly to one side. You can add resistance to this and the traditional crunch by using a medicine ball or a hand held weight.

Vertical Leg Crunch

This is a variation on the traditional crunch that really targets the stomach muscles. To begin this exercise, first lie on your back on a mat to cushion your spine. Put your hands behind your head, with elbows out far enough that they are out of sight. Now lift your legs straight up into the air, crossing your ankles and bending your knees slightly. Contract your abdominals and lift your shoulders, head and upper back up to about a thirty degree angle. Be aware of not lifting with your hands or leading with your head.

Long Arm Crunch

For this variation, remain on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lie back and extend your arms straight back on the floor as though you are reaching above your head. Contract your abs and slowly lift your arms, head and shoulders off the floor to about a thirty degree angle while pressing your lower back into the floor. Hold it, then slowly lower your shoulders back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set. Be careful not to lead with your arms, keeping them straight and alongside your head.

Reverse Crunch

You will need to stay on your back for this lower ab exercise. Put your arms at your sides with palms facing up to the ceiling. Put your legs straight up in the air so that the soles of your feet are facing the ceiling and your legs make about a ninety degree angle with your torso. Keep your knees unbent and as straight as possible.

Now, contract your ab muscles so that it feels like your belly button is being pulled toward your spine, while at the same time gently lifting your hips off the floor. Raise your hips to height of a few inches, keeping your legs extended straight upward. Hold this position, then slowly lower your hips back to the floor. Repeat for an entire set. This is a tough exercise, but really works the lower abs. If you find this too difficult, bend your knees to do the exercise.

Some people consider the best ab exercises to be those included in a Pilate's workout. Every movement in a Pilate's workout will work the stomach muscles either directly or indirectly. But whatever ab exercises you choose, the best ab exercises are the ones that you do. Add a few to your workout each day.