Four Steps to Flatter Abs

Four Steps to Flatter Abs

By: Liz Neporent
The Plank:

Step 1: Position yourself on your elbows and knees while keeping your fists together.

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The Plank:

Step 2: Keeping torso straight, extend legs out straight so you are balanced on toes and elbows. Pull abs inward and hold for 10 slow counts. Repeat a total of three times.
Challenge yourself: Build up to 30 slow counts.

Image Credit: Scott Gries/ Getty Images for AOL

The Bicycle:

Step 1: Lie on your back, place your hands behind your head and hold elbows out to the sides but rounded slightly in. Bend your right knee into your chest and extend left leg up at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Curl up andtothe side so that left shoulder moves towards right knee.

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The Bicycle:

Step 2: Twist to the left as you straighten your right leg and bend your left leg. Hold a moment before moving into the next repetition. Do 8 to 15 reps on each side.
Challenge yourself: Add 3 short "pulses" to each rep by moving your shoulder, rather than your elbow, towards your knee.

Image Credit: Scott Gries / Getty Images for AOL

Reverse Crunch:

Step 1: Lie on your back with your legs up off the floor directly over hips and legs extended upward. Place your hands behind your head.

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Reverse Crunch:

Step 2: Pull your abs in and keep your neck and shoulders relaxed as you lift your tail bone about an inch up off the floor. Lower to start. Repeat 8 to 15 times.
Challenge yourself: As you lift, roll your hips back slightly so that your knees move a few inches towards your chest.

Image Credit: Scott Gries / Getty Images for AOL

Back Lift:

Step 1: Lie on the floor with your arms and legs out straight, forehead resting on the floor, abs pulled in tight.

Image Credit: Scott Gries / Getty Images for AOL

Back Lift:

Step 2: Lift your right arm and left leg off the floor, hold five counts then repeat with the other side. Continue slowly alternating for a total of 5 reps each side.
Challenge yourself: Move arms and legs quickly as if you were swimming through the water. Do 20 to 30 reps per side.

Credit: Scott Gries / Getty Images for AOL