Ab Workout

No, you don't need to go to the gym frequently. And you don't need to buy those expensive machines. The following are five effective ab workout exercises you can do right in your home.

1. Elbow to knee crunches. This workout is great for zooming in on your upper abs. You do this just like your regular crunches. Lie with your back on the floor. Bend your knees and keep them together. Put your hands at the back of your head, extending your elbows to your side. As you do a crunch, twist your body so that your left elbow touches your right knee. Return to starting position and repeat on the other side. Try to finish 12-15 repetitions.

2. The plank. It may appear you're not doing any hard work on this routine. But it targets your entire abdominal muscles. And it does so effectively! Here's how you do the plank: prop up your body face down on an exercise mat. Use your elbows, forearms and toes to support your body. Keep your back straight, tighten your tummy, and hold for 30-60 seconds. Rest and repeat. Try to do the entire routine 3-5 times.

3. The bicycle exercise. With your back flat against the floor, put both hands behind your head. While keeping your legs straight, take them off the floor at around 45 degrees. Now twirl your upper body to the right, taking your left elbow towards your right side. As you do this, flex your right knee and take it towards your trunk. Your left elbow should touch your bent right knee. Resume a starting position and repeat on the other side. Try to finish 12-15 repetitions.

4. Lying leg raise. If you want to target that stubborn lower flab, this is what you should do. Lie on the floor with your legs together and straight. Position your hands under your buttocks, palms facing down. Slowly, take your legs off the floor, up to around a foot high. Then take them back to the floor just as slowly. As you raise and lower your legs, tighten your stomach muscles. Do this Lower Ab Workout for 12-15 times.

5. Standing torso twist. Stand with your legs apart, about shoulder width. Fix your fingers at the back of your head and stretch your elbows to the side. Now slowly twist your trunk to the left at around 90 degrees. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly move back to the initial position. Do 15-20 on each side of the body. This is great for targeting the obliques. Just remember not to rush through, and tighten your abdominal muscles as you twist.

Getting in shape takes time, effort and dedication. It's best to supplement these ab workout routines with proper diet and exercise. Nothing in life comes easy, but sooner than you expect, you'll have the flat stomach you've always wanted. Start a great Ab Workout today!