Stomach Exercise

Uh-Oh! Is that what you said when you started putting on your summer clothes? Not to mention the bathing suit - Yikes!

You may have abandoned your routine for stomach exercise way back in February, but it's not too late to tighten your stomach muscles while the summer sun is still high.

You won't get a flat stomach overnight - those things just don't happen.

But, the sensation of increased tightness can usually be felt soon after beginning a new stomach exercise, and sometimes that's all that is needed to make you start feeling better about yourself again.

What's more...

Did you know that keeping abdominal muscles firm is one of the key ingredients to relieving lower back pain? Since these muscles help form a girdle that wraps around to the spine, they play an integral part in posture support.

Ready to get started? Here are a few of the best stomach exercises that my physical therapist has suggested I try.

But, before you begin...

Keep in mind that you should check with your doctor before undertaking any new exercise routine.

Knee Fold

1. Lie on your back, on a firm surface, with your knees bent and feet flat to the floor.
2. Breathe in deeply and exhale. While exhaling pull your stomach in as though your navel were being drawn to your back.
3. Inhale again - this time only filling your upper chest with air, and trying to keep your stomach depressed.
4. As you exhale lift your right knee toward your chest, returning to starting position as you inhale.
5. Repeat 10 times with each leg.

If you place your hands lightly on your lower stomach as you do this exercise you can better feel the sensation of your stomach being drawn in.

Leg Extensions

1. Lie on your back with your hands beneath your buttocks.
2. Lift your legs so they are vertical.
3. While contracting your abs, lower both legs so that the back of your feet are right above the ground. After holding that position for a couple of seconds, return your legs to the vertical position. Repeat 5 times.

Prone on Elbows

1. Lie face down, resting on your forearms.
2. Push off the ground, rising up so your weight is on your toes and elbows.
3. Keep your back flat and your entire body aligned.
4. Stay in this position for 5 seconds and then go back to the starting position. Repeat 5 times.

Want more easy stomach exercise and other ways you can tighten your stomach muscles?

How about yoga, Pilates, or fitness ball exercise? Even walking can be a great way to firm stomach muscles. Read more about these and find other exercises at: back-exercise-and-pain-relief.com.