3 best ab exercises you're probably not doing

Is there a magic spell that can help get rid of the belly fat? Where hot water and lemon has failed these best ab exercises have worked wonders for getting rid of the belly fat in less than two weeks!

Photographs: Courtesy Gautam Rode

For best results follow these exercises, religiously, for five days a week and club it with 30 minutes of cardio and other body part exercises.

While you sweat it out to banish the belly fat you must remember to watch your food intake. We are not suggesting you go on a crash diet but just be mindful of what you eat. For example: avoid sugar in the form of sugar free, diet colas, pastries, cakes, biscuits, soft drinks, packages juices.

Stick to multigrain cereals and get at least 8 hours of sleep every day.

Bird Dog

This simple move works the entire torso, helping you to strengthen your lower back, which improves everything from posture to your ability to perform more complex, demanding exercises.

The most important thing to remember while doing the exercise is to focus on your core muscles. You should feel them working the movements and there should be no pressure on the back.

In this exercise you are attempting to move the opposite arm and leg simultaneously. It is very helpful to use a mirror to help you with form adjustments.

• Begin by slowly lengthening the left leg until it is long and strong.
• Lift the leg off the floor until it is at or near parallel to the floor.
• Perform two sets of the exercise for 15 repetitions on each side.

Inch Worm

As its name implies, this exercise mimics the motion of a small worm making its way across the ground, a feat that requires a great deal of muscle control. 

The act of tightening your core, which helps stabilise your spine during the inchworm, works the abdominal muscles throughout the movement. As your arms carry much of your bodyweight, both the biceps and forearms receive a workout. The exercise also works the shoulders and the chest muscles.

• Bend at the hips, so that your feet and hands are touching the floor.
• Walk your hands forward until you've reached plank position.
• Keeping the ab muscles engaged, walk your legs toward your hands.
• Try to keep those legs as straight as possible (tight hamstrings won't help) and your back flat.
• Spread your legs if your back is arching too much.
• Try 3 sets of the exercise for 1 minute each.

Mountain Climber

The mountain climber is an explosive exercise that requires contribution from muscles in your lower and upper body, as well as your core. The primary muscles used when performing mountain climbers include the abdominal, gluteus and leg muscles. Secondary muscles, such as the shoulders, arms and spine, also get a workout from the intense exercise.

Mountain climbers start in a push-up position with the arms extended straight and the legs extended behind you.

• Start by drawing your right knee into your chest by using your abdominal muscles.
• Do not let your right foot touch the floor.
• Do not let your shoulders move in front or behind your hands -- keep them directly over your wrists.
• Extend your right leg back into plank position. Do not bob your hips.
• Maintain a straight line from heels to head. Repeat on the other side.
• To increase the cardiovascular effect of this exercise, increase the speed of your leg motion.
• Perform 2 sets of this exercise for 1 minute each.