Top 10 Proven Ab Killers of All Time

5. The Leg Raise

Not only is this exercise great for sculpting abs, it’s a great way to improve your balance, posture and core strength as well as strengthen and tone your hips.

Lie flat on your back, your feet an inch apart and an inch of the floor. Place your arms at your sides with your palms down.

Keeping your eyes on the ceiling, your head still and your toes pointed, engage your abs and bend your knees as you lift your legs so that your calves are parallel to the floor and your thighs are perpendicular to your body.

Slowly straighten your legs toward the ceiling, toes still pointing upwards. Hold this position for a second or two, and slowly lower your legs back to the bent position, then back to the original position an inch off the floor.

If you find you can perform leg lifts fairly easily, try adding an exercise ball to the mix. Keep the ball firmly between your feet as you lift and lower your legs to maximize the benefits.

The slower you perform this exercise, the better the results. Always keep your lower back firm against the floor to avoid injury, and make sure you exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower. Work up to three sets of fifteen leg lifts.