Getting the perfect abs and stomach can be a tricky area of the body to target. It’s hard to achieve, but definitely not impossible.
However, there’s a number of exercises you can incorporate into your routine to get a flat and toned stomach.
1. Running
Having a flat tummy requires having very little belly fat in the first place, so you’ll need to get rid of that to give yourself an excellent canvas to work with.
To shed it, you should work up to 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity running four to five times a week. From there, maintain or improve that level of exercise to keep the fat off and enhance the toned look of your abs.
2. Cycling
If you don’t think running is for you or if you have leg issues that mean the impact of running would be detrimental to you, there’s still another great way to lose belly fat through cardiovascular exercise.
It’s effective at lowering belly fat, just like any aerobic exercise, when done with moderate intensity or above, which is essential if you’re working towards a toned look. In addition, regular cycling may enhance overall fat loss and promote a healthy weight.
3. Planking
Planking has become incredibly trendy recently, and there are various ways to do it, depending on your fitness and experience level. For example, newbies can plank on their forearms with their knees on the floor, and experienced fitness fanatics can plank on their hands with their knees off the ground.
It’s an exercise that strengthens the abdominals, back, and shoulders, making your core significantly more robust if you do it regularly.
4. Deadbugs
Deadbugs involve lying on your back and raising and lowering your opposite arms and legs while keeping your abdominal muscles engaged. The exercise gets its name because the position resembles a bug on its back.
It’s a fundamental move that’s good for beginners. Deadbugs strengthen the same core muscles that planking does without the monotonous floor-staring that comes with it.
5. Scissor Legs
For the scissor leg exercise, you should lie on your back with your hands flat under your lower back. Then, with your shoulders flat to the ground, reach your right leg forward on a high diagonal and left leg back in opposition without lowering, then roll back down and repeat on the other side in a scissor motion.
This exercise works the core muscles of your stomach, glutes, quads, and adductors. It’s an excellent exercise for improving the strength and appearance of your stomach muscles.
6. Sit-Ups
Sit-ups are, of course, the classic stomach exercise that everyone’s heard of. Some people might not know that they come in various forms, all of which strengthen the core stomach muscles.
For instance, the classic sit-up, whereby you lay on your back and slowly lift your upper body off the floor, can be done with straight or bent legs to target different muscles. There are also suitcase sit-ups, whereby you can bring your legs toward your head as you lift your upper body, ending with your knees at a 90-degree angle off the floor.
7. Bicycle Crunch
To do a bicycle crunch, lie down with your head and shoulders raised, hands behind your head, and legs in a tabletop position. Then, bring your right elbow to meet your left knee while straightening your right leg at a 45-degree angle, and vice versa, with your left elbow and right knee. Do this while keeping your lower back on the ground throughout.
This exercise works the abs and obliques and helps to tone the thighs and side abdominal muscles. Make sure you do this one correctly, as it’s pretty easy to strain or injure yourself if you don’t.
8. V-Sit Hold
The V-sit hold is another stationary exercise like planking. For this one, sit up straight with your knees bent, feet on the floor, and arms extended in front, then lean back and stretch your legs upward so your body creates a V shape. Hold that position for as long as you can.
Not only does this exercise target multiple areas of your core and strengthen your entire abdominal area, but it also helps to improve your balance as a nice bonus.
9. Bear Crawl
In a wide push-up position (on all fours with your hands and feet spread apart), move your left hand and right foot forward simultaneously, and vice versa with your opposite hand and foot. Bear noises aren’t necessary.
The bear crawl gets your core, including all the abdominals, but uses almost every other muscle. It’s great for toning your belly and strengthening your whole body.
10. Russian Twist
This one requires you to lie on your back with your knees raised and bent at 45 degrees with feet hovering just off the floor. Then, lift your torso to a 45-degree angle with the floor. In that position, hold your hands together as though you are praying, then slowly twist your torso to the right and left, pausing each time briefly.
It’s a great exercise that strengthens your core, obliques, and spine, and it’s also great for improving your stability and balance.