Exercises to a Slim Stomach

 

Possibly the best exercise to slim the stomach is running, or some comparable form of cardio exercise. Excess fat on the belly isn't going to melt away with crunches. Abdominal exercises will slim and tone a stomach to get you a flat, defined look. By combining ab exercises with at least 30 minutes of cardio three to five days a week you can get a slimmer, sexier stomach.

Seated Medicine Ball Trunk Rotations

The seated medicine ball trunk rotations exercise is an easy exercise that you can do with only a medicine ball. It will work the rectus abdominus and transverse abdominus muscles of the abs and engage the erector spinae muscles of the spine, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The easiest variation of the exercise is done sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet together on the floor. A medicine ball is held in front of the stomach. This is the starting position. By rotating the shoulders from side to side you will work your abs and erector spinae. To make the exercise more difficult, you can lean back 45 degrees toward the floor and increase the weight of the medicine ball. Always keep your spine straight.

 

Cross-legged Oblique Crunch

The cross-legged oblique crunch is an exercise that targets the oblique ab muscles, according to the book "Core Training for Greater Strength and Better Health" by Thomas Boettcher. The obliques are located around the waist on the sides of the stomach. The cross-legged oblique crunch is done lying face up on the floor. It is performed first by bending your right leg and placing your foot on the floor and then crossing your left leg onto your right knee. The arms are crossed on your chest. You will raise your shoulders off of the floor and twist toward the left as if trying to bring your right shoulder toward your left knee. This motion engages the left oblique muscle. You should do a set on this side and then change your leg positions to do an equal number to work your right oblique muscle.

Stability Ball Prone Walkout

The stability ball prone walkout works all of your abdominal muscles, according to ACE. It is done with a stability ball, which is also called a Swiss ball or an exercise ball. You can purchase one at a sporting goods store. All you have to do is lie face down on an exercise ball, starting with the ball under the stomach. As you walk your hands forward, maintaining a flat back and torso, your ab muscles will work to keep you from rolling sideways off of the ball. You'll walk your hands forward with your arms straight until the ball is under your shins, or just until it is under your thighs if you want the exercise to be easier.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/85447-exercises-slim-stomach/#ixzz2I3HtX8DJ