Exercises for a Flat Stomach or Tummy

Exercises to target the abdominal muscles are beneficial for firming your stomach. Doing crunches won't eliminate belly fat as will a proper diet and cardio program, but exercises like the ab crunch will tone the muscles of your rectus abdominis, transversus abdominis and obliques. These are the major muscles of your stomach and waist.

Scissor Crunch

The scissors crunch elevates the difficulty level from a regular bent-knee floor crunch by straightening the legs. When you bend your knees to do a crunch you can easily tuck your pelvis and press your lower back into the floor to support your spine. Lying on your back and instead straightening your legs makes this more difficult, and forces your abs and lower back to work harder. To do the scissor crunch, lie face up on the floor with your legs straight and cross your ankles. Bend your elbows and put your hands on the back of your head. Then, raise your head and shoulders off the floor. Lie back down to finish one repetition. Perform an equal number of crunches with your legs crossed both ways.

Fingers To Heel Oblique Touchers

The fingers to heel oblique touchers are almost self-explanatory. This exercise works the muscles of your obliques on the sides of your stomach by trying to touch your heels with your fingers. Begin lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Your knees are bent at 90 degree angles. Your arms are next to your sides with your palms down. Hover your arms about an inch off the floor and raise your head and shoulders up. Then, bend your spine to the left and reach toward your left heel. Bend and reach to the right. Your head, shoulders and arms stay in the air during the exercise.

The Rings

The rings is a challenging exercise that works several muscle groups, though it is still considered an exercise for flat abominals. The abominals are worked as well as the chest, shoulders, triceps and lower back. Place a rolled up yoga mat or thick towel on the floor. Then, sit in front of the mat and place your palms on the mat next to your hips and beneath your shoulders. Extend your legs in front of you with your heels on the floor with the balls of your feet lifted slightly into the air. Your knees are bent greater than 90 degrees. Now, lift your buttocks a couple of inches off the floor with your arms completely straight. Lean forward and move your hips back over the mat. Lower your hips back to the floor.