Sometimes even when we achieve our weight goals we have a little paunch left over in our stomach. By doing specific exercises to flatten the stomach, you will strengthen your abs and obliques, thus trimming down your abdominal profile. Three exercises in particular will tone the abs and obliques and provide variety to your workout to help you stay motivated.

Crunches

• Crunches are a good way to trim your stomach flab. Start by lying down on the floor, on your back, with your feet spread as wide as your hips and your knees bent. Place your hands behind your head and cup the back of your head. Raise your head, neck and shoulders off the floor, leaving your lower back flat to the floor. Hold the position for several seconds before lying flat on the floor again. Repeat this 20 to 30 times per exercise, three days per week.
  

  Leg Raises

• Start by strapping ankle weights to each ankle. Make sure the weights are secure. Lie flat on your back with your hands by your sides. Keep your knees slightly bent and raise your legs up so that your body forms a right angle. Keep the tension in your abs by not allowing your legs to completely touch the floor when you lower them. Repeat this 10 to 20 times, three times per week.
  

  Bicycle Crunches

• Bicycle crunches are a high-impact way to add to your ab workout. Start by lying flat on your back with your hands interlaced, cupping the back of your head. Bring your hips up to a 90 degree angle with the rest of your body. Bring your head and shoulders off the floor like you are doing a crunch, and as you do this, bring your right elbow forward at the same time as you bring left knee in; touch them together. Then relax your body back to the floor. Repeat this process, alternating touching your right knee to your left elbow and your left knee to your right elbow. Do this in a rep of 20 at least three times per week.
  

  Tips

• By alternating an ab workout with a cardio routine you will increase your chances of trimming your stomach---the ab work will tighten and tone your abdominal and oblique muscles while the cardio will help burn fat. Do not begin any type of major exercise regimen without first consulting your health care provider.