Bicycle Crunch

• The bicycle is an old fashioned exercise that has been around for ages. This is because it works. Lay on an exercise mat, with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat. Also, put your hands behind your head. Lift your head from the mat with your hands still behind your head. Next extend one leg while bringing the other toward your chest. Touch that knee with your elbow on the other side with your hands still locked behind your head. Extend that leg back out and touch the other knee with your alternate elbow. Continue alternating legs, bringing the opposite elbow to touch the bent knee. This should resemble riding a bicycle.
  
  

Leg Lifts

• Leg lifts are perfect for strengthening the lower stomach. To do leg lifts, lay on your back with your legs extended. Lift your legs, pointing your toes to the ceiling. As slowly as you can, lower your legs to the floor. Repeat this exercise 10 times. If this is too difficult, you can do it one leg at a time. This exercise also works your butt.
  
  

Fitness Ball Crunches

• Crunches are an excellent way to strengthen the midsection and using a fitness ball makes it much easier in that it takes the pressure off your back. As you do your crunches, allow the ball to roll backwards as you crunch forward and roll forward as you move back.
  
  

Reverse Sit-ups

• Sit on the exercise mat with your knees bent and arms out in front of you. Lay back as far as you can holding that position for as long as you can without collapsing. Repeat this exercise five times.
  
  

Stretch Your Midsection

• Before and after doing abdominal exercises, it is important to stretch. To stretch your abdominals, lie on the exercise mat face down in push-up position. Push up with your arms, keeping your pelvis on the floor. Next, stand up and do a whole body stretch, clasping your hands above your head and pushing your palms toward the ceiling.