Pilates is a great way to strengthen abs without doing even a single crunch. It is an exercise that primarily focuses on strengthening and creating a better looking stomach and buttocks. it also increases your flexibility improves your posture and strengthens the body's muscles. Pilates and Yoga are similar they are both mind/body activities. Their focus is on breathing and posture. However, they can't take the place of traditional cardio and strength training exercises. There are several different pilates abs exercises such as, plank. This is when you are in the push up position and you are using your elbows to support your body weight. Pilates moves are by far the best abdominal exercises. Where crunches work primarily the rectus abdominus (the large "six pack" of muscle in the center of the abdomen).

Pilates works the deeper abdominal muscles and the stabilizers that help to hold it all in. It has also been shown to lengthen the muscles considerably,giving a taller, leaner appearance. Many exercises that tone the abs. There are many more, and Pilates is meant to be done in one smooth-flowing sequence. You then contract your abs holding this position for 30 to 60 seconds and repeat as many times as possible. There is also the 100s position, in which you lie flat on your back with your legs together and straight. Lifting your head and shoulders off the ground you pull in your abs. Roll-Up exercises-Sit with your legs straight and your arms in front of you Holding your abs in, slowly roll all the way down, feeling each vertebra press into the mat.

Until you're lying flat, being careful not to let your feet pop up. Now raise your arms on high your chest and slowly roll your trunk up and forward, tightening your stomach, until you're back to the starting position. Crisscrosses -- With your head slightly emboss,bring your knees to your chest and place your hands gently behind your head (don't interlace your fingers). Inhale and slowly twist to the right, bringing your left elbow to your right knee while extending your right leg. Hold this long enough to exhale. Now inhale and return to the starting position. Repeat, bringing your right elbow to your left knee. The Teaser -- Lie flat on your back with your legs straight out and arms on the mat, stretched straight up over your head.

Lift your legs up while raising both arms overhead until your fingers are pointing at your toes. Breath and slowly roll back down, feeling each vertebra press into the mat, back to the starting position. Repeat three times. Rolling exercises- Sit up and pull your ankles in toward your buttocks, wrapping your hands around them. Bring your head toward your knees and lift your feet off the mat so that you're balancing on your tailbone. Tighten your tummy and slowly roll backward just until your shoulders touch the mat be careful not to roll on your neck. Immediately roll back up. Strong Pilates body depends on the powerhouse woven and deep layer of lower back and abdominal muscles. This system of exercise allows the person to move elegantly and stand boldly throughout their life.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for fitness tips and weight loss tips. She also writes articles on home remedies.