Abdominal exercises are the most demanded. Everybody wants flat stomach . I don’t like crunches, although they have place in abdominal workout.

Below you can see pictures of my favorite core exercises along with explanation how to properly do them.

Have in mind that doing only abs exercises will not cause burning stomach fat. You need to combine exercises for whole body with a healthy diet and this is the only way to burn fat.

Happy belly exercising

Plank.jpg
Plank. This is very powerful exercise and it is difficult for beginners. Plank is good also for your back, buttocks and arms. This is a compound exercise that works several large muscle groups at once. Try to hold for 30-60 seconds, beginners hold as long as they can, 5 seconds is good for beginning.

How to do plank: Start on your stomach with your hands placed in a prayer position, making sure that your shoulders are in line with your elbows. Keeping your hips tight, your glutes (buttocks) contracted and your back straight, lift your body up so that you are supporting your body weight on your elbows and toes.

Maintain this position for desired length of time or until the back begins to strain and your hips begin to sag.

Side Plank. Strengthens the abdominal and lower back muscles.

How to do Side plank: Start by laying on your side with your legs bent and your arm placed squarely underneath you. Lift your body up maintaining a solid bridge while supporting your body weight on your one knee and forearm.

Hold this position for desired length of time or until your hips begin to sag and you can no longer maintain a solid bridge. Rest and repeat 10 times, 10 series. 1 series contains 10 repetitions.

Moving Plank. This is the advanced execution of Plank. Do it when you are used to the static plank.

How to do moving plank: Start on your stomach with your hands placed in a prayer position, making sure that your shoulders are in line with your elbows. Keeping your hips tight, your glutes contracted and your back straight, lift your body up so that you are supporting your body weight on your elbows and toes.

Lift one arm to the ceiling and turn the body aside, hold this position for a second and return arm on the ground. Repeat by lifting the other arm.

Body Leg Lift. This is fabulous stomach exercise, because it builds your core and lower abs along with balance. It may feel difficult when you start but the results deserve your persistence.

How to perform Body Leg Lift: Start by lying on your back with your arms and legs fully extended. Curl your shoulders off of the floor and reach for your toes. At the same time, lift both heels off of the ground, squeezing your abdominals.

Hold the position for three seconds. Remember to try and create a “V” with your body and keep the small of your back pressed against the floor. Relax and lower your body back to the starting position and repeat the action.

Leg Push. This exercise targets the stomach muscles, especially lower abdominal. It is very good for beginners.

How to do Leg push: Start by lying on your back with arms fully extended. Bend legs and lift them. Now start pushing the legs forward until fully strengthen them, hold for a second and bend knees.

Double Leg Drops. This exercise targets the lower abs. You need to develop strength in your stomach before starting with this exercise. The problem here is that you may arch your back instead of keeping it firmly on the floor.

This happens when your abs don’t have enough strength and you try to compensate the movement with other musles.

How to do Double Leg Drops: Start on your back with both feet raised and your hands placed at the side of your body or under your buttocks if you are a beginner. While exhaling, slowly lower both legs down to the floor (don’t touch it) keeping your core engaged throughout the entire range of motion. Lift both legs back up to the starting position.

Abdominal Hip Raises. You can start slowly with this exercise and not push too much. It works your tummy.

How to do Abdominal Hip Raises: Start on your back with both legs in the air and your hands placed at the side of your body or under hips. Lift your hips off the floor and drive your feet straight up towards the ceiling using your upper abs.

Lower your body back down until your tailbone softy touches the floor.