7 best exercises to tone your abs

It is one of the best exercises to work your abs as well as your overall body. To perform a plank for abs, begin by getting into a push-up position with your forearms on the groundand your body in a straight line from head to heels. Make sure your back is straight while you perform this and your tummy is tucked in. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Do 3-4 sets of this. You can increase the time gradually. Image courtesy: Freepik

This is the perfect exercise to tone your midsection and slim your waist. To do bicycle crunches for abs, lie on your back with your hands behind your head, elbows wide. Lift yourshoulder off the ground and bring your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg straight. Alternate your left elbow toward your right knee, pedaling like you're on a bicycle. Make sure you are not too much strain on your neck and keep your core engaged. Do at least 3 sets of 15 repetitions on each side to challenge your abs. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

The side plank is a variation of plank which is a good exercise to tone the abs. Begin by lying on your side with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Create a straight line from your head to toe by lifting your hips. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, and switch to the other side, and repeat. Do at least 3 sets of this exercise to tone your abs. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Begin by lying on your back with your hands under your hips or by your sides. Keep your legs straight and lift them upward. Now, bring them back down without touching the ground and repeat. Do at least 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor to engage your core. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Targeting your obliques and improving core stability, the Russian twist is a good exercise to tone your abs. Sit on a mat with your knees bent, and feet flat. Lean back slightly, maintain a straight back, and lift your feet a few inches off the ground. Hold your hands together or a weight. Twist your torso to the right, bringing your hands or the weight towards the floor beside your hip. Return to the initial position and then twist to the left. Keep your core engaged and back straight while you do this. Do at least 3 sets of 15 repetitions on each side. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

To perform abdominal crunches, begin by lying on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest. Engageyour core, then slowly lift your head, shoulders, and upper back off the ground using your abdominal muscles. Avoid putting strain on your neck or using your arms to lift. Make sure you exhale as your crunch then lower your upper body back down. You can do 3 sets of 15-20 repetitions. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

To perform hip lifts for abs, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart. Place your arms at your sides with your palms down. Engage your core and squeeze your glutes, then lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold the pose for a moment, and lower your hips back down. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions of the exercise. Image courtesy: Adobe stock