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How To: Do an oblique twist ab exercise

The obliques are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. This exercise is great if you want to target the oblique muscles. Unlike traditional abdominal exercises, the oblique twist works other muscle groups as well.

How To: Do a heel toucher ab exercise

Here is a simple exercise. Heel touchers are primarily used to work the oblique muscles. The obliques are used to assist with rotation of the torso, as well as basic abdominal contractions. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." It is important to note that even though the heel toucher is an oblique exercise, the entire abdominal area is being worked. A workout mat or soft surface is recommended.

How To: Do a static side bridge ab exercise

Start by lying on your side on the floor or mat with the legs extended. The elbow should be directly underneath the shoulder to support the body. As you contract your abdominals, use your torso to lift yourself off of the mat while your elbow and feet are touching the ground. Hold this for 10 to 15 seconds making sure that the spine and neck are in a neutral position. Repeat on the opposite side.

How To: Do a modified static side bridge ab exercise

Start by lying on your side with the knees bent. The elbow should be directly underneath the shoulder to support the body. As you contract your abdominals, use your torso to lift yourself off of the mat while your elbow and knees are touching the ground. Hold this for 10-30 seconds making sure that the spine and neck are in a neutral position. Repeat on the opposite side.

How To: Do a lying-sideways side crunch ab exercise

There are many variations of the side crunch exercise. This exercise works the oblique muscles. The lateral flexors of the spine (quadratus lumborum) are also involved in this exercise. The obliques are commonly referred to as the "love handles." They are used to assist with rotation of the torso. They are also instrumental during abdominal contractions.

How To: Do a bicycle crunch ab exercise

The bicycle crunch is traditionally used to work the oblique muscles. While that may be true, this exercise is good for overall abdominal strengthening. The rectus abdominis (the "six pack" portion of the abs) is probably more active than are the obliques. Nevertheless, it is still an effective ab exercise. Instructions for the bicycle crunch are listed below:

How To: Do a double crunch ab exercise

The double crunch exercise involves two movements: a traditional abdominal crunch and a reverse crunch or knee-in. The reverse crunch portion of this exercise is supposed to target the lower portion of the abdomen. However, it is important to note that whenever the knees move toward the chest from a supine position (on your back), the hip flexors are the prime movers.

How To: Do a static V-hold ab exercise

This exercise is challenging! The static V-hold is a fairly simple exercise to perform. But if done correctly and at the right time, it can be very demanding. This exercise is most effective when performed as the last in a series of ab exercises; or basically, when the abs are completely fatigued.

How To: Do a v-up ab exercise

The V-up is one of the more challenging ab exercises. While it may appear simple, there are several factors that make this exercise difficult to execute properly. Some of these factors include timing of the movement, counterbalancing, hip positioning, flexibility, and abdominal strength.

How To: Do a vertical leg crunch ab exercise

The vertical leg crunch is similar to the traditional abdominal crunch. The difference is in the positioning of the arms and legs, as well as the range of motion (the upper back comes higher off the ground). Listed below are instructions for performing the vertical leg crunch:

How To: Do a jackknife crunch ab exercise on an aerobic step

Are you tired of doing the same exercises for abs? The jackknife crunch may be the answer to your problems. This exercise effectively works the core muscles. It should be noted that whenever the knees move toward the chest (the jackknife motion), the hip flexors are involved. The hip flexor muscles are actually part of the upper leg. They allow you to kick a ball or lift the knee from a standing position (as in running). Thus, if you are trying to isolate the abs, there are better alternative...

How To: Do a long arm crunch ab exercise

The long arm crunch is a modified version of the tradition abdominal crunch. When the arms are extended above the head, it increases the level of resistance placed on the abs. Thus, the traditional ab crunch becomes a bit harder to perform. The long arm crunch is slightly different from the traditional ab crunch. This exercise is more of a curl up with the arms extended. Instructions for the long arm crunch are as follows:

How To: Do a flutter kick ab exercise

Flutter kicks are often used to work the lower abs. Generally, flutter kicks are performed at the end of an abdominal workout when the abs are fatigued. In reality, this exercise does very little for abdominal development. The main muscles worked are the hip flexors. So if you are trying to get the most out of your abs workout, there are better options.

How To: Do a scissor kick ab exercise

The scissor kick is often used to target the lower abs. However, this exercise does a poor job of working the abs. The hip flexors do most of the work. This exercise can be used in a continuum of ab exercises, but it should not be used as a primary ab exercise.

How To: Do a supine abdominal bridge exercise

The supine abdominal bridge is a great core exercise. It is relatively easy to perform and requires no fancy equipment. While the abs are the primary focus, the supine abdominal bridge also works the thigh and hip muscles (e.g. gluteus, hamstrings, quadriceps). They each allow the "bridging" of the hips to take place. Here is how this exercise is done:

How To: Do the rope climber ab exercise

If you are looking to add excitement to the traditional abdominal crunch, consider rope climbers. In this exercise, the abs go through a similar range of motion as the classic ab crunch. However, two things make this exercise unique. The first is the "rope-pulling" motion. The second is the range of the upper back and shoulders. They come up a bit higher than in the crunch.

How To: Do a supine leg raise

The supine leg raise is often used to target the lower abs. However, when the legs are elevated from a supine position, the hip flexors become the prime movers, not the abs. Leg raises can put stress on the lumbar spine. Thus, alternative exercises are recommended. It is also important to note that the midsection is not divided into lower and upper halves. The rectus abdominis is one muscle.

How To: Do a prone bridge plank position ab exercise

The prone (face down) bridge or plank is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. If you are new to exercise, consider starting with a modified version of the prone bridge, then progress to a full bridge. A workout mat is recommended.

How To: Do a modified prone bridge ab exercise

The modified prone (face down) bridge or "plank" is a great exercise if you are trying to develop the core muscles. This exercise is unique in that it is done from a static position. There are no repetitive movements. The modified prone bridge strengthens the lower back, as well as several muscles in the upper body. A workout mat is recommended.

How To: Do a chest press exercise with resistance tubing

This exercise is great for shaping and strengthening the chest muscles. The chest is scientifically named the pectoralis. This muscle is used any time you push a chair up to the table, shut a car door, or push a shopping cart. There are two muscles that make up the pectoralis. They are the pectoralis major and minor. The pectoralis major is always the prime mover during chest exercises.

How To: Do a seated chest press exercise with resistance bands

The seated chest press can be done from any chair with a seat back. This exercise is great for shaping and strengthening the chest muscles. The chest is scientifically named the pectoralis. This muscle is used any time you push a chair up to the table, shut a car door, or push a shopping cart. There are two muscles that make up the pectoralis. They are the pectoralis major and minor. The pectoralis major is always the prime mover during chest exercises.

How To: Do a pec fly exercise with resistance tubing

The pec fly with resistance tubing is great for shaping and strengthening the chest muscles. The chest is scientifically named the pectoralis (hence "pec" fly). This muscle is used any time you push a chair up to the table, shut a car door, or push a shopping cart. There are two muscles that make up the pectoralis. They are the pectoralis major and minor. The pectoralis major is always the prime mover during chest exercises.

How To: Do a cable crossover exercise

Cable crossovers are great for building and shaping the chest muscles. This exercise is performed using a cable pulley machine. First, ensure that the cable pulley is mounted above shoulder height. Adjust the weight (usually a weight stack) as needed.