Unexpected Ways To Get A Flat Stomach Without Crunches

I’m not one to use the word hate often, but for this type of exercise I’m willing to make an exception.

I hate crunches. And sit-ups.

I’ll run, I’ll do jumping jacks, I’ll skip until my lungs feel like they’re going to burst, but I HATE lying on the floor trying to tone my tummy. So much so that I have actually been tempted to buy an ab workout machine off the television.

Yep, I hate them that much.

Luckily, before I had the chance to locate my credit card, I learnt that there are other things I can do to help flatten my stomach. Some of which can hardly even be classified as exercise at all. Now that’s my kind of workout!

#1 Laughter

olivia wilde laughing

Ever laughed so hard it hurts? This is because when you laugh your stomach muscles expand and contract, just the same as when you do ab-toning exercises. But what makes laughter even better is that the rest of your muscles get to relax while your stomach does all the work. So the next time you’re struggling to decide on a movie, pick the comedy.

#2 Hula hoop

hula hoop funny gif

It’s time to release your inner gymnast and purchase that pink, sparkly hula hoop because that round piece of plastic will work wonders on your soon-to-be-flat tummy. Hula-hooping raises your heart rate and targets your stomach muscles for a combination that will shed fat and tighten your abdominals.

#3 Gardening

harry potter herbology gif

If you’ve got a green thumb you’re in luck! Gardening is a great workout for a flatter stomach. All of the bending, stretching and twisting your mid-section does as you plant those bulbs effectively works the stomach muscles and burns around 350 calories an hour.

#4 Boxing

full house boxing cat gif

Use your anger and hatred (for things like crunches) to fuel a boxing workout. Boxing is not only a great way to relieve stress, but all those arm movements and high kicks help to target your stomach muscles for a flatter, toned tummy.

#5 Sit Up Straight

new girl posture gif

It’s not just good manners. Sitting up straight means your stomach muscles and the muscles that support them are constantly taut, which makes them stronger. A good trick is to imagine there is that there is wet paint on the back of your chair so that you’re not tempted to lean back.

Are you a fan of crunches or sit-ups? What exercises do you do to flatten your stomach?

349 Member Comments

onlyoni 4 May 2017 6:14 PM

These are my kind of exercises as long as they give results. Posture is a definite, and I love using the hula hoop. I also like doing planks but I really should set aside a time each day for these as quite often I forget.

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BridgetG 4 Apr 2017 12:23 PM

haha how cute. Not sure how effective all of these are though...

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Chicklet 22 Mar 2017 8:20 PM

I love these suggestions! Correct posture and making it a habit to keep your core engaged at all times makes a big difference.

Elunia 7 Mar 2017 3:00 PM

They were selling hula hoops at Woolworths the other day, wish I got one now.

Sootyhere 28 Jun 2018 8:18 AM

Really. I've got to get a Hula Hoop. I think it would make me laugh as well (another great exercise for the stomach)

Petite Pivoine 5 Mar 2017 8:46 PM

When I clicked on this article I though these would be the typical sit ups etc but I'm really surprised! Need to go and buy a hula hoop now!

talk-a-lot 4 Mar 2017 1:47 PM

I need to go to KMart or the toy shop and invest in a hoola hoop. I loved doing this as a kid.

Nicoler112 4 Mar 2017 1:37 PM

Now these are my kind of exercises.

ThisIsMe 13 Jan 2017 5:00 PM

Omg hula hooping! What a great idea, lol I used to love it as a kid!

clearcrystalwater 4 Dec 2016 4:43 PM

Boxing would be a fun way to tone the abs!

Shop A Everyday 28 Nov 2016 1:52 AM

Posture is very important

msrayray 3 Aug 2016 9:43 PM

I'm not a huge fan but I I don't hate it either. Been doing them almost daily for the past couple of months. It really helps to strengthen my core and tone up the abdominal area. I also have a weighted hoola hoop which I use once in a while. I think it's important to maintain a good posture and diet as well. Would love to laugh more, I think the last time I laughed hard until it hurts was like 20 years ago.

Nan Kate 2 Aug 2016 3:22 PM

I think all of these suggestions for a flat tummy are great, but what you put in your mouth also has a bearing on how flat or otherwise your stomach is! We can become a bit lazy as we age, so we - ie "I" need to remember to suck it in!

Peach perfect 2 Aug 2016 9:57 AM

Oww... I love the 1st one. Someone also mentioned in a comment about pulling in the belly while laughing. Would love to give this a try before I give up on flat tummy dream. :)

bebeautiful34 1 Aug 2016 8:33 PM

I have just given up on my stomach. It has that little paunch that I just can't get rid of!

Sootyhere 28 Jun 2018 8:19 AM

Never give up just buy a Hula Hoop

cosmoslyn 1 Aug 2016 12:57 PM

if you try sucking in your tummy while laughing it works even faster! although it will hurt

elmorules 1 Aug 2016 11:32 AM

Laughing would have to be number One. Then yoga and gardening.

dimmieloves 1 Aug 2016 8:50 AM

Boxing yes! Such a great way to hit those abs!

skincare junkie 1 Aug 2016 7:48 AM

Boxing works. I try to use the laughter method more. I dont mind crunches actually, but I can't do hula hoop :/

Sootyhere 28 Jun 2018 8:20 AM

If you can't do hula hoop then it will make you laugh trying.

Rainbownerds 1 Aug 2016 12:30 AM

If only laughter helped ..

jatz 31 Jul 2016 8:45 PM

I used to be so good at Hula hooping when younger. I bought one a few years ago and for the life of me I can't do it and spend more time bending down and picking it up so in actual fact......it is a good exercise for my tummy ha ha.

Definitely gardening helps with the tummy also.

Nas007 31 Jul 2016 8:11 PM

Ooh now I can say I was exercising when laughing, gardening and sitting. Winning !!!

Janeka 31 Jul 2016 6:48 PM

Getting a bit too click bait-y there beautyheaven :P

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