Abdominal exercises that work your abs from a variety of angles and involve a full range of motion can have the most dramatic impact for getting rid of abdominal fat. There are a variety of abdominal exercises out there you can do by lying on the floor. Other abdominal exercises may require an abdominal exercise ball or fitness machine.

Abdominal Exercise #1: Alternating Crunches

Unlike traditional crunches, alternating crunches work both the upper and lower abdominals simultaneously. By adding a full range of motion, you are also using your oblique muscles - toning and strengthening the core abdominal muscles.

To complete this abdominal exercise, lie down on a comfortable floor. If using a gym floor, lay a towel down or mat. Begin by lightly clasping your hands behind your neck. Raise your feet off the ground so that your thighs are perpendicular to your head.

When ready, raise your left elbow to your right knee, then return to the starting position. Raise your right elbow to your left knee, being sure to meet it in the middle of your count. Attempt to do this 10 times to each knee to complete your set.

Buiding up to abdominal exercises that use a full range of motion will take time. Be patient and focus on progress not perfection. As you do more abdominal exercises your strenght will improve.

Abdominal Exercise #2: Hanging Leg Raises

When I was first learning how to improve my abs, I tried a variety of techniques that just didn't work. After watching what some the heavy hitters were doing in the gym, I learned about the power of hanging leg raises.

This exercise is easy to do. Start by finding a straight bar that you can hang from. If you do not belong to a gym, you can buy one to install in a door frame at your own home. They are very inexpensive and will be more than worth the purchase price.

Alternatively, you can often find a door with sturdy molding that you can hang from. Please check to see if the door frame can hold your weight before you attempt this exercise. Begin by handing from the bar.

From a still position, slowly raise your knees to your chest. Pause at the top of your motion and slowly lower your knees back down so that your body is straight. Try for a single set of 10. This abdominal exercise can be very challenging. After working up to a full set of 10, work towards adding a second and third set.

Abdominal Exercise #3: Standard Leg Raises

Abdominal exercises that work your lower abdomen before your upper abdomen can do a lot for your midsection. This is because your lower abdomen muscles are generally weaker than your larger upper abs.

Leg raises, where you place your hands under the small of your back and slowly raise your legs is a great way to work your lower abs. By doing this abdominal exercise first, you're sure to exhaust those hard to work lower abdominal muscles.

To properly execute standard leg raises, begin by lying flat on the floor in a comfortable position. Place your hands under your lower back. Slowly and steadily raise your legs until they are at a 90 degree angle to the floor. Slowly lower your legs back into the starting position.

Work towards a set of 10, and then add a second and third set. This abdominal exercise takes some time to perform well as you must build your sense of balance in addition to strengthening your abdominal muscles.