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Abdominal muscle exercises have come a far way since the days of the old fashioned sit-up we all had suffer through in gym class. Sit-ups are painfully hard to do and they are minimally effective. Here are the top ten most effective exercises that experts agree will build a strong core:

1. High Chair Leg Raise

This is a chair that has no seat, two arm rests, and it stands about eight feet tall. Support your weight with your forearms. Then, bring your knees to your chest while continuing to support your upper body with your forearms.

2. Vertical Crunch
Lay on your back with your hands behind your ears. Bring legs up in front of you and extend them straight out. Raise your chest, neck and head up to meet your thighs as close as possible.

3. Bicycle

Lay on your back with your hands behind your ears. Be careful to not strain your neck while in this and similar positions. Move your legs as if you were cycling.

4. Torso Track

For this exercise, you will need access to the actual equipment called ‘Torso Track.’ Sit with knees on the floor and grip the handles of the Torso Track. Slowly allow your body to slide forward on the track while gripping the handles.

5. Reverse Crunch

Lay your back on the floor and hold in your abs. Then, bring your legs up to your chest with bent knees.

6. Crunch with Flexed Foot

Lay your back on the floor and flex your feet so you are resting on your heels. Keep feet flexed and then raise upper body off the ground and lower back down.

7. Ab Roller

This is another exercise that requires a specific piece of equipment. Assume the crunch position while gripping the Ab Roller with your hands. Then, roll your head, neck and shoulders off the ground.

8. Elbow Plank

Resting your body weight on your forearms and your toes, lift the rest of your body off the ground and hold for a count of twenty or so.

9. Straight Arm Crunch

Perform a crunch by lifting your neck, head and shoulders off the ground. Instead of keeping arms bent with hands by your ears, keep arms straight and hold your hands. Bring arms over your head as you lay flat on floor. Then, bring arms to touch knees when you curl up.

10. Exercise Ball Crunch

Lay with your buttocks and lower back resting on the ball. Place feet firmly and flat on the floor with knees bent. Mimic the traditional crunch action in this position.

Strong abdominal muscles are not just a thing of beauty. A strong core equals minimized back pain and healthier organs. Work out your abs six days a week for the best results.

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