Flat abs. Washboard abs. Six pack abs. These are only few names they label for great abs which in most cases are product of hard work, determination, exercise, discipline and patience. The ingredient to achieve these fabulous abs that everyone is dying to have is to know by heart the exercises for abs.

However, before we will go into details for the various exercises for abs, it is essential to understand the structure of your stomach. Your stomach is basically made of three sets of muscles in which each set require particular exercise to tone.

Also, the exercise programs aimed for your abdomen area are not fat burning exercise regimes hence it is still necessary to do different cardiovascular exercises in order to lose fat. As your option for cardiovascular activities are quite varied, you can choose from biking, jogging, swimming, volleyball, running, aerobics and more. You can do this for 20 - 30 minutes per week to get the best result of it.

So now you have the general view of how it works. We can now proceed with the details of the exercises for abs.

You can try first the bicycle exercise. To do this, lie on the floor with face up and put your fingers behind your head. Bring your knees to your chest and lift your shoulder blades off the ground. Then straighten your left leg while you turn your upper body to the right. Do the same thing on the other side. Continue to do this exercise simultaneously on alternate directions. Try moving your legs in a pedaling motion and repeating this for 12 - 16 times.

Next there is the captain chair exercise which is considered as one of the most effective routine in your two sets of abs muscles. To execute this, stand on a chair with grip into handholds to have an established upper body. Press your back against the pad and start raise your legs and lift knees towards the front.

Another great tool to use to strengthen the abs is the exercise ball. Place the ball in your lower back and lie on top of it face-up. Then put your crossed arms at the back of your head. Try to lift your torso from the ball. Form a position of curl but not necessarily to roll. Repeat this into 12-16 times.

The next one you have to try is the full vertical crunch. This is a great exercise as it involves your upper and lower body. To execute it, lie on the floor face up. Straighten your legs and bring it towards the ceiling. Rest your crossed hand behind your head and lift your shoulder blades off the floor.

There are more exercises for abs that aim to tone and define your abs. Again like any other form of perfecting or redefining your body physique, toning your abs will not be achieved overnight. It will require tons of effort and consistent practice of exercises for the abs.

It may not be an overnight formula but definitely possible.