For men and women, the belly or lower abdomen is the most difficult body part to lose weight in. A flat abdomen is practically everybody’s goal, but the lower abs is an area that is difficult to strengthen and trim down. This is because most abs workouts are ineffective in targeting the lower abs. However, fitness experts have identified the best lower ab workouts to flatten the belly and strengthen the lower abdominal muscles.

The best thing about lower ab workouts is that they are easy to do. You do not need heavy weights or expensive machines to exercise your lower abs. The risk of injury is also minimal.

There are two important points to remember about the lower abs. First of all, when people express dissatisfaction about their lower abs it is usually the fat they are complaining about. The only way to get rid of your belly fat is with a combination of a healthy, low calorie diet and an intense fat-burning cardio exercise 3 to 5 times a week.

Second, the lower abdominal muscles are not a separate muscle but are actually part of the main muscle that runs down from your lower chest to the pubic bone. To flatten your belly, you must know the best lower ab workout and do the exercises regularly.

Below are some of the best exercises for the lower abdominal muscles. Be sure to include them in your daily exercise routine.

Double Leg Lifts

While lying down on your back, place your hands with the palms down under your butt. Contract your lower abdominal muscles and lift your legs straight up vertically. Hold them there for a few seconds and then lower them until they are a few inches above the floor. Again, hold them there for a few seconds. Repeat 5 to 8 times to start with. Later, increase the reps to 15-20 times.

Reverse Crunches

Lie on your back and press your lower back flat on the floor. Keep your head and neck relaxed, with your hands at your sides, palms down. Bend your hips and knees at a 90 degree angle. Tighten your lower abs and raise your hips towards your rib case while curling your tailbone off the floor. Exhale as you lift your hips. Inhale as you slowly lower your hips back to starting position. Focus on your lower abs, not your legs. Use a slow, controlled movement and do not rest your feet on the floor between reps.

Scissors

Lie on your back with your hands under your butt. Contract your lower abs, tighten your leg muscles and lift both legs up about two feet off the floor. Keep your knees straight and move your right leg across your left leg. Open your legs out and then close them again, reversing the position of the legs. Repeat 8-10 times. As you get stronger, increase it to 15-20 reps.