The 25 Best Exercises to Tone Your Abs (and None of Them Are Crunches)

Planks are great for working the abs, and the elbow plank is harder on the abs than the traditional plank in push-up position.

• Start face down on the floor resting on your forearms and knees.
• Push off the floor, raising up off your knees onto your toes and resting mainly on your elbows.
• Contract your abdominals to keep yourself up and prevent your booty from sticking up.
• Keep your back flat — don't let it droop or you'll be defeating the purpose. Picture your body as a long straight board, or plank.
• Hold as long as you can. Aim for 20-30 seconds in the beginning and work your way up to one minute, as you get stronger.
• Repeat three times.