Fitness giants know that there’s fantastic money in abdominals. But rather than leading you straight to the information, they have instead created thousands of products designed to stop you from getting what you seek. It’s also what keeps you buying the newest and technically advanced ab machine. The problem is that 95% of these abdominal gadgets are phony. Avoid getting stuck throwing away your time and money on these iffy workouts, focus instead on ab exercises that actually work. Want to burn the fat and keep your money in your pocket … in no time at all these five exercises will have you working your way towards great abs.

First, The Dead Lift
The dead lift is considered the king of exercises! And for international power lifters it is one of the three core lifts. Although the dead lift is usually associated with big, overly built athletes, there’s no need fret, dead lifts won't make you look muscle bound overnight. The type of bodies that such athletes have takes a very special nutritional program to achieve. And without such a diet, dead lifts will simply work out your abs, legs and back quite efficiently. This one is a must for any abdominal routine.

Second We Have The Squat
Though the squat is first and foremost a leg exercise, the abs keep
the body straight and safe during the lift. Your body engages your abdominals to keep itself upright when you're balancing weight on your shoulders. Keep your abs tense and your chest lifted. Note that while your legs may ache immediately, it is your abs that will see the true benefit in time with this one.

Third, And Everyone’s Favorite, The Sit Up
When performed in conjunction with the two other major lifts this classic abdominal isolation exercise is incredibly effective. For best results, do your sit ups at the end of your weights routine, and after any major cardio. Since these isolation exercises stress muscle groups that have already been exercised in your major lifts, they are always best done at the end of your routine.

Fourth Comes The Military Press
Though being predominantly for the chest, arms and shoulders, when preformed standing upright this lift forces you to engage your abs for balance – when sitting the stress is mostly on your legs instead of your abdominal section. You lift the weight off your shoulders and over your head, engaging your abs to maintain your balance.

And Finally The Leg Raise
This particular exercise requires a small amount of equipment, nothing your local gym can't offer. This exercise is also excellent to end your workout with. Performed by hanging from either a leg raise frame or a chin-up bar, then simply lifting your legs as high as your waist, all while holding the legs straight and pointing the toes. Since this exercise will exhaust your stomach and leave your abs burning, it’s best to use this to finish your routine.