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Top 10 Most Effective Ab Exercises

By Paige Waehner, About.com

Updated: March 13, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

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Exercise Ball Crunch

Exercise Ball Crunch

Exercise Ball Crunch

The exercise ball is an excellent tool to strengthen the abs and comes out number three for working the rectus abdominis. To do it right:

1. Lie face-up with the ball resting under your mid/lower back.
2. Cross your arms over the chest or place them behind your head.
3. Contract your abs to lift your torso off the ball, pulling the bottom of your ribcage down toward your hips.
4. As you curl up, keep the ball stable (i.e., you shouldn't roll).
5. Lower back down, getting a stretch in the abs, and repeat for 12-16 reps.

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