It's easy to associate stomach exercises with crunches and sit-ups, but there are different abdominal exercises that can help you achieve toned abs as well. Stomach exercises are meant to target the muscles of your mid-section, but traditional abdominal exercises leave your back and neck feeling the burn more than your abs. These ab exercises get results without the added kink in your neck.

Front Planks

Front planks work your abdominal muscles by making your abs responsible for supporting your body weight for a timed duration, such as 30 seconds per set. To do side planks, lie on your stomach with your legs extended behind you and your ankles flexed so your toes are tucked under your ankles and the bases of your feet are facing the wall behind you. Slightly arch your back to keep your chest from touching the floor as you bend your elbows and place your elbows on the floor close to the sides of your body. Rest your forearms on the ground in front of you with your palms flat on the floor and your fingers pointing away from your body. Keep your neck straight with your spine during the entire exercise by gazing down at the floor. Contract your abdominal muscles as you lift your stomach, thighs and knees off the floor so your body weight is balanced between your forearms and toes. Imagine an invisible straight line from the base of your neck to your ankles as you aim to hold this position for 30 seconds. Slowly lower your body down to the floor and then repeat the hold two additional times.

Leg Stands

The leg stand is one of the easiest abdominal exercises and is performed while standing. This abdominal exercise is especially beneficial if you have back or neck problems. Start by contracting your abdominal muscles to help stabilize your spine. To do leg stands, stand with your feet about 2-inches apart and rest your arms to your sides. Bend your right knee and slowly raise your knee toward the ceiling while keeping the base of your foot facing the floor. Aim to lift your leg about 6 inches from the floor -- it's OK to lift your leg less for a lower intensity or higher for increased intensity. Once your leg is lifted and you can feel the tension in your abdominals, hold this position for 15 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds before repeating the exercise two additional times with your right leg. Switch to your left leg and do the same.

Hip Raises

During lying leg-hip raises, you round your lower back to bring your knees toward your chest. This exercise can be done on a flat weight bench, inclined bench or on the floor. To use a weight bench, lie with your shoulders, back, buttocks and upper thigh flat on the bench. Bend your elbows and raise your arms to grasp the sides of the bench even with your ears. Once you have a firm grip on the bench, straighten your legs so your knees, calves and feet look like they're resting on an invisible bench. In a slow and controlled motion, start bending your knees and moving your knees toward your chest. Once your knees are directly above your hips, lift your hips off the bench and tuck your knees into your chest. Slowly reverse this exercise until your body is straight and your legs are resting on the invisible bench. If you perform this exercise without a bench, keep your balance by extending your arms to your sides and placing your palms flat on the ground.

Scissor Kicks

Scissor kicks are usually done on the floor, but you can use a bench if your prefer grasping the sides for added support. Lie on the floor or bench so only your head, back and buttocks are touching the platform. Place your hands directly to the side of your hips and place your palms on the floor or grasp the bench. Once your hands are in position, keep your legs extended with your knees slightly bent and your feet about 6 inches above the floor or bench. In a slow and controlled motion, raise your left leg and slightly lower your right leg until your legs are at a 45-degree angle. The lowered leg will never touch the floor. Use a fluid motion as you switch the position of your legs so your right leg is now in the air and your left leg is lowered.

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