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Stomach & Abdomen Exercises

Belly fat is a sneaky offender, slowly attaching itself to the midsection of men and women without notice. Excess belly fat increases the risk of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to research from the Mayo Clinic. With hard work and dedication to exercise, belly fat can melt away. Repetitive abdominal exercises strengthen the core muscles to help burn belly fat for good.

  1. Hanging Leg Raise

    • The hanging leg raise is an abdominal exercise described by Men's Health magazine. This exercise strengthens the core muscles. Hang from a chin-up bar and then raise the knees up to the chest. Raising the legs to the chest requires the use of lower back muscles, hip flexors and upper thighs, according to Men's Health. The stomach muscles also contract as the legs are released back to the hanging position. Hang from the bar for 30 seconds, two to three times a week for six weeks and see hard abs develop.

    Pelvic Crunch

    • The stability ball pelvic crunch is one of Women's Health magazine steps to six-pack abs. Perform this stomach exercise by lying face up on a stability exercise ball. With feet together on the floor, hold a medicine ball against the chest. The shoulders come off the stability ball as you crunch the abdomen. Then lift the medicine ball toward the ceiling. This exercise not only works the stomach, but the chest, hips and glutes. Women's Health magazine suggests doing this exercise two to three nonconsecutive days a week. Results will be noticeable in just 30 days.

    The Matrix

    • The matrix is an abdominal exercise performed with a five-pound medicine ball. Kneel on the floor, keeping the knees hip-width apart. The ball is held against the abs as the person slowly leans back as far as possible. The knees do not move during this exercise. The stomach muscles tighten as the position is held for three seconds. The core muscles release when the back comes forward again. This process is repeated to strengthen the stomach muscles. Women's Health magazine suggests performing this exercise two to three nonconsecutive days a week for results in just 30 days.

    Plank Pike-Up

    • Fitness Magazine describes the plank pike-up ab exercise as one of their steps to ultimate abs in six weeks. This exercise uses the five-pound medicine ball to perform reps. Lie on top of the ball, with shins on the ball and palms on the floor. Roll the ball to the middle of the body using the abs and legs. The body remains in a V-shape and the head is down between the arms. Roll the ball back to the starting position to complete the ab exercise.

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