If you are looking for exercises that will help you acquire well toned abs, consider those listed in this article. Before doing any exercise be sure to warm up first by stretching and lightly exercise the muscles. This will not only help prepare them for a fitness activity to come but will also help to avoid injury.

The Captain’s Chair is a great exercise for toning abs. This will work well for the lower abdominals. A chair with arms will be necessary in order to do this exercise. Stand on the chair and hold the arms to stabilize your upper body. Pressing your back against the backrest, contract your abs slowly raising your legs so your knees are brought close to your chest. When lifting your legs, do not arch your back. Gradually lower your legs back to the chair and repeat 12 to 15 times.

The exercise Ball Crunch is another helpful ab exercise. It is one of the many stability ball exercises frequently used. This exercise is more effective as compared to the crunches on the floor because when the exercise ball is used, the abs are worked more thoroughly. Stability is important with this exercise so as to avoid injury. Lie down placing your lower back firmly on the ball. Interlace your fingers and put your hands behind your head. Contract your abdominals slowly lifting your torso off the ball. Curl up so they almost meet. Slowly lower your back and repeat the exercise several times.

Leg Lifts are another popular and effective exercise. They work well when exercising the lower abdominals. Lie on your back with your hands placed next to your buttocks. Raise your legs to form a 90 degree angle with the floor. Place your legs directly above your hips. Slowly lower your legs until they are roughly 6 to 8 inches above the floor. Raise them up again. Do not touch your legs to the floor until you have completed several reps.

Double Crunches are another option. Here you will lie on the floor bending your knees up and placing your feet flat on the floor. Put your hands on the floor while contracting the abdominal muscles and lifting your torso and legs up at the same time. Slowly come back to the starting position, without touching your shoulders and feet to the floor. Repeat the exercise 10 to 12 times.