Abdominal Exercise

The Plank Abdominal Exercise

The basic plank exercise, also called a hover, is the starting place if you want to improve your core strength and stability. Here's how to do it right.

• Begin in the plank position (see photo 1) with your forearms and toes on the floor.
• Keep your torso straight and rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending.
• Your head is relaxed and you should be looking at the floor.
• Hold this position for 10 seconds to start.
• Over time work up to 30, 45 or 60 seconds.

Plank with Leg Lift
Start in the same plank position (photo 1) as above with your forearms and toes on the floor.

• Slowly raise one leg 5-8 inches off the floor (photo 2)
• Count to two and slowly lower your leg to the floor.
• Switch legs and repeat.
• Do about 2-3 sets of 10 reps.

Plank with Arm Lift

• Start in the same plank position (photo 1) as above.
• Carefully shift your weight to your right forearm.
• Extend your left arm straight out in front of you.
• Hold 3 seconds while keeping your core tight.
• Slowly bring your arm back to starting position.
• Switch arms and repeat.
• Do 2-3 sets of 10 reps.

Modified Plank with Leg Lift
To make this exercise a bit easier, you can perform the movement on your hands, rather than your elbows.

V-Sit Abdominal Exercise

How to Do It

• Begin in a seated position, contract your abdominal muscles and core, and lift your legs up to a 45-degree angle.
• Reach your arms straight forward or reach up toward your shins as you are able.
• Maintain good core posture and a strong spine.
• Hold this "V" position for several seconds to begin. As you get stronger, hold the position longer.
• Return to your starting position slowly.
• Just before you reach the floor, stop and hold the position for a few seconds.
• Repeat this entire movement several times

Hip Lift

 It strengthens the rectus abdominis (the muscle between the ribs and hips), and the obliques (muscles that run down the sides of the torso). Try to work up to two sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, with a short break between. In addition to other ab exercises, you can do this several times a week

Begin by lying on your back with your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Raise your legs so they are straight up toward the ceiling and perpendicular to your torso.
Pull your navel toward your spine and lift your hips a few inches off the floor, keeping your legs pointed straight up. Then slowly lower your hips back to the floor