Exercising the Middle and Upper Abdomen

• When most people start doing crunches or using ab machines, they're usually working the middle and upper abdomen. A core exercise for these areas is the abdominal butt raise. Get into a push-up position. Instead of using your hands for support, use your elbows and forearms. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then take a one-minute break. Repeat the process three to four times, and increase the time you hold the position as your exercising goes on. Once you've mastered this, get in the same position, lift your butt in the air, putting pressure on your abs, and then return to the starting position. Do three reps of 10 and increase your sets as you get more comfortable.
  
  

Exercising the Lower Abdomen

• The lower abdomen is probably the hardest part to work, because traditional abs exercises don't target the lower abdomen. Use abdominal flutter kicks to firm this area. Lay on your back with your legs fully extended in front of you and your arms at your sides. Lift your feet 6 inches off the ground and hold that position for 30 seconds, then rest for a minute. Repeat this three to four times a day and increase your time weekly.
  
  After you've mastered this, try this exercise. In the same position, lift your feet 6 inches off the ground--this is the starting position. Slowly lift your legs up as high as you can and hold them there for one second, then return to your starting position. Do three sets of five and increase them as you get more comfortable.
  
  Then you're ready for actual scissor kicks. Get in the starting position--feet 6 inches off the ground--and begin to perform small and rapid scissor kicks with your legs. Use your midsection to control your movements. Do this for 15 seconds and increase the time as you get comfortable.
  
  

Exercising the Obliques

• Your obliques make up the side muscles of your abdomen and are often the most forgotten part when people are working on a six-pack. Do finger-to-heel oblique touches to target these areas. Lay down in the position of a crunch, but keep your arms down by your sides. Move one of your hands to touch your heel on the same side. Come back to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Make sure your back stays flat on the ground and that you mimic the motion of a crunch--except sideways.
  
  

Tips for Firming Your Abdomen

• Don't cheat when performing the exercises. If you can't perform the exercise properly, then don't do it until you can. When performing the exercises, make sure you breathe properly and keep your abs tightened throughout the exercise. When you want to firm your abdomen, your diet is the most important thing that will effect results.