Health and Fitness

The exercise ball.

I have one of these myself. They are really effective in tightening your ab muscles. Lie back on the ball until your thighs and torso are parallel to the floor. Place your hands behind your head, tuck your chin toward your chest. Perform your ab crunches. You will feel the burn after a short while. For better balance, keep your feet spread apart and flat on the floor; for more work on your obliques (the sides of your abs) place your feet closer together.

The bicycle maneuver.

Lie flat on the floor, lower back pressed to the ground. Place your hands, palms down, on the floor on either side of you. Bring your knees up to a 45-degree angle and slowly go through a bicycle motion with your legs. Try to go as long as you can; it will be difficult at first, but you will get better with time!

The boat pose.

This is one of my favorites. I got it from Jillian Michaels’ Wii Ultimate Fitness Game. Lie on your back on the floor. Raise your torso and your legs at the same time, keeping your legs and back straight. Try to go up as high as you can, and as many reps as you can. You will get a great ab workout this way.

Crunches.

The best crunches are not to be confused with sit-ups. Experts say sit-ups are not the most effective way to tighten your abs. Vertical and reverse crunches are much better and more effective.

Vertical crunch-lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground, hands behind head. Extend your legs straight up in the air, crossed at the ankles with a slight bend in the knee. Contract your abdominal muscles by lifting your torso toward your knees. Make sure to keep your chin off your chest with each contraction.