Hi I need suggestions for tummy toning. I know sit ups are good but they are only toning the top half, i've tried using an ab belt but I'm not finding it gives results. Thanks!

and also if I can modify the sit ups to tone the lower half please?!

Unfortunately you can't spot-reduce, which means reducing the fat in one specific area and making it leaner. You can build the muscle in one targeted area, which may be what you're looking for. But the look that most people want when they say "toned"-- i.e. flatter and leaner looking-- comes from diet, not targeted exercise towards that body part.

A lot of fitness professionals are moving away from crunches and situps because they aren't ergonomic and not good for your back. Think about it- we sit in hunched positions in front of our computers or on the couch all day and it's the reason for so many back problems and poor posture. Why do an exercise that essentially replicates that position?

If you are looking to strengthen your abs, try planks instead of sit-ups. It requires engaging the core in conjunction with the back, arm, and leg muscles. Here is a picture: http://www.urbanfreeflow.com/useful-exercises-the-plank

If you really like crunches/situps, perhaps you can try them with a Swiss ball, which gives you a much wider range of motion in your situp.

There are tons of other exercises out there that are more effective, and better for your spinal health. Another is mountain climbers: http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/...ium=1#slide-17. I'm sure others here have more ideas.

Good luck!

I don't think I could do the plank, unfortunately I have carpal tunnel and if I put too much pressure on my right arm I have pain and numbness so it would be preferable to keep pressure off my arm, however I hadn't thought of my back with the situps so maybe I I need another option?!

thanks for your reply

I'm not sure how well this works, but what about "Rolling" your stomach the way belly dancers do? Just pull in the top half and push out the bottom, and switch. Work on making it fluid. You don't even have to get into a position to do it, and you can do it anywhere.

also, perhaps something like a standing crunch. vids like turbojam and hip-hop abs feature these.

Can you do planks on your elbows? would that affect your carpal tunnel?

I do my planks on my elbows. Also, to echo what was already said, to reduce the fat in the area, you just need to lose the weight (with a combo of diet and exercise). To target that area to build muscle there, do reverse crunches or vertical leg lifts. They are really effective and you will feel it in your lower abs.

I have also had some success taking cortisol blocker pills to reduce some belly fat as cortisol is a hormone stored in the belly area. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about taking them.

Have you tried Pilates? It's the best thing I've found to really tone the core, which includes the abs. And leaves me with a sense of wellness. If you can find a certified teacher and take a couple of classes - either mat classes or on the reformer - I'm almost positive that you'll get results.

I'm looking for exercises that will help strengthen my lower abs. I have a very strong core from belly dancing and hula hooping, but a year ago I pulled my lower abs. I could tell that I wasn't using them like the others so they weren't nearly as strong. When I starting working out again in December I could feel them starting to strain again and that delayed me getting back in the swing again. I have the fear in the back of my head (that I've been turning into an excuse) I'm going to pull it again.

Can anyone suggest things that would help?

I do twist sitting down and standing with the kettlebell

I'm going to second the standing crunch idea and suggest you increase your cardio (walking, running, elliptical whatever you do).

The crunches and planks and other core work strengthen the abs and build the muscles there. Jillian Michaels' Six Week Six pack has a lot of different core stuff, you could maybe get some ideas there even if you can't do all of the stuff she shows (you could probably grab it from your local library if you're just using it for research).

The cardio helps with the weight loss so that the muscles you've built get to show themselves.

I don't know if this will help you but I have visible abs and haven't done one crunch or situp in over nine months.

What did I do? Reduced my body fat below 20% by watching my diet and incorporating a lot of cardio to melt the belly fat off my midsection. Diet was 80% clean btw.

Also, for building the core, I really only do planks and lying leg raises - that's it.

And I agree with OP who stated that you cannot spot-reduce. Just focus on lowering your body fat and the belly fat will be gone. Promise.