Building strong abs can be frustrating, especially when you lack variety within your abdominal workout. All too often people find that sit-ups are synonymous with abdominal exercises. This can be especially devastating when you find yourself with lower back pains while doing sit-ups. Well, don't worry! There are several alternate exercises to sit-ups that will promote rock hard abs, as well as give you some diversity in your workout!

Begin by finding a spot on the floor where you can stretch yourself out. After you've stretched and warmed up your muscles, lie down so that your arms are either by your side or under your lower back, and your body is as perfectly straight as you can make it. Slowly lift your legs about 6 inches from the ground, keeping everything except for your legs still and firm. You'll feel the burn in your stomach area; that's normal. In fact, that's good. It means you're doing the exercise right. Hold that for about 30 seconds. You can hold it for longer or shorter depending on your personal physique. You can also change how high or low you're holding your feet for a different challenge, as well as to further strengthen and challenge your abs.

Another great exercise to work out your abs but not strain your back is the plank. This is one of the most simple abdominal workouts, but can also be one of the toughest. Don't be daunted by this one; you can do it. To begin, lie face down on the floor, with your body stretched straight out. Form a fist with one of your hands, and wrap the other one around it. Make sure your forearms are flat on the floor, and lift yourself so that only your forearm, hands, and toes are touching the ground. In order for this work out to be effective, it's vital to keep your back perfectly straight, like a plank. Thus it's name, the plank.

The bicycle is another great alternate to sit-ups, although it may cause a bit more strain on your back than the previous two. However, it's one of the most effective abdominal exercises out there. If you can, it's well worth doing. Don't ever push yourself farther than you can go, it's not worth hurting your back just to do this workout, as with all workout routines.

To begin the bicycle, put your hands on the sides of your head, with the finger tips making contact. Slightly lift your head so that you can twirl it and both of your arms on top of it without any collisions from your surroundings. Once you've done that, begin by lifting up your left knee towards your upper

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