A flat stomach is one of the most sought-after fitness goals—but doing endless crunches won’t get you there. To truly melt fat and sculpt a tighter core, you need ab exercises that engage your entire midsection, boost calorie burn, and improve posture and stability.

The good news? You don’t need equipment or hours in the gym to see results. With just a few minutes a day and these five best ab exercises, you can start transforming your belly and building a stronger, flatter stomach—naturally and effectively.

Top 5 Ab Exercises That Burn Fat and Flatten Your Stomach

Mountain Climbers

Muscles Targeted: Abs, obliques, shoulders, cardiovascular system

Time: 30–60 seconds

How to Do It:

  1. Start in a high plank position with hands under shoulders.
  2. Bring right knee toward left elbow while keeping hips low.
  3. Quickly switch legs in a running motion without bouncing.

Why It Works: This dynamic movement raises your heart rate while engaging your entire core—making it a fat-burning powerhouse.

Bicycle Crunches

Muscles Targeted: Obliques, rectus abdominis

Reps/Time: 30 seconds–1 minute

How to Do It:

  1. Lie on your back with hands behind your head and legs lifted.
  2. Bring right elbow to left knee while extending the opposite leg.
  3. Alternate sides in a cycling motion with controlled speed.

Bonus Tip: Move slowly to feel the contraction in your side abs.

Flutter Kicks

Muscles Targeted: Lower abs, inner thighs

Time: 30–60 seconds

How to Do It:

  1. Lie flat on your back with hands under glutes or along your sides.
  2. Lift both legs slightly off the ground.
  3. Alternate kicking them up and down quickly in a scissor motion.
  4. Keep legs straight and core engaged throughout the movement.

Plank Shoulder Taps

Muscles Targeted: Core stabilizers, obliques, shoulders

Time: 30–60 seconds

How to Do It:

  1. Begin in a high plank position with arms straight.
  2. Tap right shoulder with left hand, then left shoulder with right hand.
  3. Keep hips steady and avoid rocking side to side.

Why It Works: Great for improving anti-rotational strength and balance.

Leg Raises

Muscles Targeted: Lower abs, pelvic floor

Reps: 10–20

How to Do It:

  1. Lie flat with hands under glutes or by your sides.
  2. Raise both legs slowly until perpendicular to the floor.
  3. Lower them with control—don’t let them touch the floor.

Whether you’re doing these exercises first thing in the morning or after a long day, they give your abs the attention they deserve—no equipment required.