For most people, the stomach is the place that they want to firm up and tone. It seems that the abs are likely the biggest problem area for most. There are countless reasons for this such as fast food, lack of exercise, and an increase in jobs and activities that don't require much getting up and moving around.

On the market today there are tons of exercise equipment to help shed that extra abdominal weight and to tone those muscles so they are flat and sexy. However, exercise alone is not the key to that sexy six pack. Exercise in conjunction with burning more calories that you take in is how it is done.

Ab workout equipment is plentiful but there are a few machines and gadgets that will do the job quite nicely. For example, the Roman Chair, which works fantastic for the entire ab muscle group but is also very effective on other parts of the body too. This machine is commonplace at the gym but can also be purchased for home use. The chair has a straight back that is padded and two parallel stationary arms. Don't expect to sit because you will not find a seat on a Roman Chair. How this chair works on the abs is by putting your forearms on each of the armrests and to place your back firmly against the back of the chair. Now…and this step is important, when you place your forearms flat on the arm rest you should have the settings high enough that your legs actually dangle. Then you will lift your knees towards your chest, hold and release.

Another very effective piece of ab workout equipment is the exercise ball. There are numerous exercises that can be performed while on the ball but the thing with the exercise ball is in order to balance yourself on the ball you have to use the ab muscles. The exercise ball is very cost efficient and serves multiple exercise purposes.

Along the same lines as the ball is the resistance band. This is a simple band that stretches, often made of rubber. The benefit of this band is while you are exercising a particular ab group the band is forcing resistance, making it more difficult for you but also delivering more benefits. The resistance band is often suggested for those who are just starting an exercise regimen and for people who are limited in their exercise due to previous injury.

The Back and Ab Machine and the Ab Crunch Machine are effective machines that target the abdominal muscles while also offering protection for the back and the neck. These machines come with adjustable settings that can be changed as your exercise routine advances.

It is important to remember that regardless of the machine that you decide on how effective they will be depends on whether or not you use them correctly. Another thing is that just because you are using these machines it does not mean that you should not combine them with other abdominal exercises.

There are several quite simple yet very effective abdominal exercises that you can do right in the privacy of your own home. Better yet…you do not even need any equipment or machines to complete them effectively.

There is no doubt that the very best ab exercise is the Crunch. The Crunch targets the entire abdominal muscle group including the intercostals, the obliques, and the rectus abdominis. There really isn't just one standard crunch, there is actually a variation of them. The full crunch requires you to lie flat in the floor with your legs extended and your hands behind your head. Use your hands to pull yourself up and push out with your legs. There is also the reverse crunch where you lie flat on the floor and put your legs in the air and bend them backwards towards you. This exercise is a bit easier than the full crunch.

Never underestimate the good old fashioned leg lift. It is simple and very effective. Lie down flat on your back on the floor and lift one leg up and as high you can and hold it until you count to three. Repeat by alternating legs and eventually raising both legs. Do at least ten repetitions for each leg and for both legs. You can add resistance by simply adding weights to your ankles.

In the category of good old fashioned exercises that target the abs and that can be done simply at home is the sit up. While it may not be that easy to do it sure is effective. Lie down flat on the floor, bend your knees and either hold your feet down by bracing them under a sofa or a heavy chair or ask someone to hold them down for you. Place your hands behind your head and lift up your upper body up as far as you can without allowing your feet to lift. Hold…count to five…lower your body. Do repetitions of 20. To do this effectively you should not be using your shoulders or your neck.

Finally, the bicycle routine is also a very good choice. Lie flat on the floor and raise your legs up and pretend you are riding a bike. Lift your rear a bit and pedal for a minimum of ten times. Your abdomen is what you will use to keep your legs and rear up and you will feel the burn in your tummy. This simply means that it is working.

Here are some added tips to make your workout routine be more effective and less stressful. Always stretch and warm up before beginning your exercise regimen. You want to stretch and relax for a good couple of minutes. Also, effective exercising requires at least twenty minute workouts performed three to four times per week. Breathing is also very important while you are exercising. You should breathe in deeply and exhale completely. Your heart and other muscles really need the oxygen to work at their best. Follow these simple exercises and tips and you will be on your way to the perfect abs in no time without having ever left your home.