Abs Exercises Made Easy!

Aiming at great looking abs is a common goal for many folk. So what types of free exercises to flatten stomach fast are the most effective without using expensive ab exercise equipment? This is a short list of some of the more effective abs exercises that you can do to see some results in a short time.

One key thing to notice is that abs are made up of many muscle collections and are a 'system', not separate parts. The most effective way to improve your abs is to work on the muscle group as a whole to gain optimal performance.

Exercise ball crunch : An exercise ball is a very effective tool for core strengthening and will produce the fastest most noticeable results in the appearance and toning of your abs. This exercise works your rectis abdominis muscle.

Position yourself, face up on the exercise ball, your middle to back should be resting on the ball. Place your arms behind your head.

Concentrating on your torso, contract your abs and pull the bottom of your ribcage towards your hips.

As you curl upwards, try and keep the exercise ball steady ( be sure not to let it roll ).

Lower yourself back down, and repeat this for 12 - 15 reps.

Vertical Leg Crunch : This exercise will work your obliques as well as your rectis abdominis.

Lie on the floor on your back and extend your legs up with your knees crossed.

Contract your abs so that you feel your shoulder blades lift off the floor.

Keep your legs still and envision moving your belly button to your spine at the top of the movement.

Lower and repeat the whole movement 12 - fifteen times.

Bent Leg Hip Raises : This exercise will target your lower abs and is safe for your lumbar region.

Lie on the floor with your knees bent, heels on the floor and your jaw towards your chest.

Keep your feet together and concentrate on using your lower abs to raise your hips off the floor, bringing your knees towards your forehead.

At the head of the movement, your feet should be right above your head.

Lower your legs back down, let your feet lightly touch the floor, repeat twelve - fifteen times.

These are only a few effective exercises. There are many more, and to add difficulty and power, weights can be added in to most abs exercises.