When you look at your stomach, do you wish it were tighter and firmer? Core muscle strength is essential for good balance and posture. These core exercises will tighten your abs and improve your posture.

You know you hate them, but they’re so very good for you: the dreaded sit ups and crunches. These stand bys are reliable as can be because they work your abs steadily. As you go through the lifting and lowering process (go all the way for every sit up, and go one third of the way for crunches), be certain to support your neck and lift slowly and smoothly, never jerking.

When you’re sick of sit ups, move into the position to do the bicycle. Start out in the same position as a traditional sit up, but lift your legs in the air and bend them at 90-degree angles. Tense your abs, twist and engage your oblique muscles, and touch one elbow to the opposing knee. Then relax that side and lift the other elbow to the opposing knee. Continue this movement in a smooth pattern.

Work your stomach by lifting and lowering your legs. Lie on your back with your arms and legs extended. Keeping your lower back solidly on the ground, lift both legs, slowly, until they point to the ceiling. Now lower them to the ground, slowly, feeling the tension in your abdomen as your core muscles fight to keep your legs from reaching the ground.

Performing the plank exercise will tighten those abs right up. Lie on your stomach, with your hands under your shoulders. Use your arms to raise your body into a push up position, and then hold it there, engaging your back and stomach muscles to keep yourself stiff. Stay in that plank position for an extended hold, and then let yourself relax into the beginning position and take a short break before doing it again.

Exercise while you work by sitting on an exercise ball. You’ll have to engage your core muscles all day in order to maintain your balance, which will strengthen your abs without your even realizing your doing it.

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