There are many effective exercises to maintain a tight belly and flat stomach including crunch exercises such as the reverse crunch, bicycle crunch, vertical leg crunch and full sit up. These exercises target all the major muscles of the core including the rectus abdominis (or the ‘six pack’), obliques, transverse abdominis and the lower back.

However ab busting exercises to get that much-sought after six pack need not just involve crunches. Some other exercises that are simple and easy and ideal for the át home’ abs work out include:

The Plank

My favourite exercise, the plank, works the transverse abdominus and can be done in the privacy of your own home! This isometric abdominal exercise stabilizes your spine whilst strengthening your core. The plank is achieved by lying on your stomach, legs straight and rising up onto your forearms and toes. Hips should be raised to shoulder height and the back should be flat. Squeeze your abs and tighten your glutes. Hold yourself in this position for 30 to 60 seconds without moving while breathing. Work up to three sets.

Dumbbell Oblique Lifts

Dumbbell oblique lifts are an excellent crunch-free exercise to work the oblique abdominal muscles and are straight forward exercises requiring only a set of dumbbells with at least 1kg a piece. To perform these exercises stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms relaxed at your sides. Lean to the right allowing your right hand to trace down the side of your leg. Stand back up straight pulling with your muscles at the side of your waist and not lifting with your arm. Lean to the left. Continue alternating sides. Four to eight reps on each side are ideal.

Little Movements

And let’s not forget the ‘sneaky’ abs exercise’s we can do while driving, sitting at our desk or lying in bed – simply tighten and release your abs repeatedly: a little move that yields results almost without your noticing. Until summer hits of course, and you can put your fantastic bikini body on show!

Ali Cavill, Owner – Fit Fantastic Personal Training

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About the Author: Ali Cavill is a Personal Trainer and owner of Fit Fantastic. A qualified Master Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, teaching across Sydney, Ali is also an ambassador for Rockwear Gym Clothing and the Australian Institute of Fitness. Ali consults on a range of fitness and health topics for primary and high schools, corporate organisations, sponsors charity events and is rapidly becoming a renowned face” of the fitness industry through her involvement and feature in various print media, corporate websites and TV (The Circle, Foxtel, Home and Away, Biggest Loser Australia and most recently the Australian Institute of Fitness national ad campaign). read more →