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Abdominal and Core Strength and Endurance Exercise List - Part 2

The best and most effective ab and core strength exercises. Part 2

By Elizabeth Quinn, About.com

Updated: January 31, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Medical Review Board

6. Vertical Leg Crunch
  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Place your fingertips to the side of your head just behind your ears. [il]Push your lower back into the floor flattening the arch and hold.
  • Extend your legs straight up in the air, crossed at the ankles with a slight bend in the knee.
  • Contract your abdominal muscles by lifting your torso toward your knees.
  • Make sure to keep your chin off your chest with each contraction.
  • Exhale as you contract upward; inhale as you return to the starting
  • Picture

7. Reverse Crunch

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Place your fingertips to the side of your head just behind your ears.
  • Crossing your feet at the ankles, lift your feet off the ground to the point where your knees create a 90-degree angle.
  • Push your lower back into the floor flattening the arch and hold.
  • Your hips will slightly rotate and your legs will reach towards the ceiling with each contraction.
  • Exhale as you contract; inhale as you return to the starting position
  • Picture

8. Alternating "Supermans"

  • Lie face down on a mat with your arms stretched above your head (like superman)
  • Raise your right arm and left leg about 5-6 inches off the ground (or as far as you comfortably can).
  • Hold for 3 seconds and relax.
  • Repeat with the opposite arm and leg.

9. Plank Exercise

  • Lie face down on a mat with your elbows right next to your chest, palms facing down.
  • Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and elbows with palms flat, back flat angling up from toes to shoulders.
  • Hold abdominals tight, and keep your spine neutral.
  • Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air.
  • Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, and then lower; repeat.
  • Picture

10. Crossover Crunches

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Cross your right leg over your left leg so your right ankle is resting on your left knee.
  • Place your fingertips to the side of your head just behind your ears.
  • Begin a crunch, but twist your torso and touch your left elbow to your right knee.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching over to the other side.

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