Remarkable abs aren't as hard to get as they seem. The secret to remarkable abs is not about the exercises themselves, but about your technique instead. So, don't purchase the "magic" workout videos and infomercial ab machines. Follow these tips and stick with the basics.

Just Right Repetitions

It is common for many to perform the incorrect amount of repetitions when doing ab exercises. Your fitness level determines the amount of reps you should do. This easy formula will allow you to design ab exercises to your needs.

If you can do:

? 1 to 5 crunches- do 1 less rep per set

? 6 to 10 crunches- do 2 less reps per set

? 11 to 15 crunches- do 3 less reps per set

? More than 16 crunches- do 4 less reps per set

For example, say you can do four crunches. In order to get the full benefit of the exercise per set, you will want to do one less than four.

Do not do anymore than fifty reps. Doing too many reps really aren't going to make a difference, and it can injure you. Most people won't see much better results because it's overworking that muscle.

Sets for Success

It is imperative that you allow your abs to relax between sets. The amount of reps you decide on constitutes a set. You should do 3 sets of reps, with a 60-second rest period between sets, to achieve optimum results.

Position and Perfection

You are likely right if you find that sit-ups are a waste of time. Traditional sit-ups work your hip muscles instead of your ab muscles. In addition, they can really damage your back.

The legs-up crunch is a more effective exercise. This exercise makes your abs do the heavy lifting without help from your legs. While lying on your back, hook your legs over the edge of a chair or couch. Bring your hips close to a chair or couch. Pull yourself into a crunch using your abs. In order to increase the difficulty of the legs-up crunch, perform a crunch after putting your legs in the air so that your body is shaped like an "L" and crossing your ankles for stability.

Try doing crunches on a yoga ball (also called an exercise ball) for an even easier way to avoid back pain, build balance, and strengthen your ab muscles.

With your feet spread a shoulder's width apart, sit on the yoga ball. Lie down and walk forward with your feet until the ball is under the arch of your back. Next, perform normal crunches. The ball forces the stress of the exercise on your core and abs while cradling your back.

Give the reverse crunch a try if you want a change from normal crunches. Lie on your back with your knees bent, and place a small ball between them. Place your arms flat along your sides. Bring the ball in close to your chest, hold the position briefly, and then return to the first pose.

Get ready for results the next time you work your abs if you keep these tips in mind. Keep in mind, you do not have to worry about damaging your abs if you exercise them every day. Stop exercising and check with your doctor if you experience back pain while doing any of these exercises.