Both men and women alike frequently complain about their rolls or excess fat around their belly. Perhaps you do a ton of sit ups everyday and still find you have a "pooch." Maybe you have dieted and found that it makes no difference when it comes to your belly.

The abdominal area is stubborn when it comes to getting firm and slimmed down. It’s important to keep in mind that body shape and genetics are a factor. You can be in really good shape and still have a bit of a gut. If you have been comparing yourself to the models on fitness magazines, you should stop. One of the advantages to having a personal trainer is that he or she can tailor a workout specifically to your body type and fitness goal.

With that said, there are ways to get your abs toned and your tummy looking its best. One mistake people make is thinking that crunches alone will tone their gut, but that exercise only works one part of your abs. Using an exercise or stability ball can give those muscles a more vigorous and targeted workout to give you better results. An Amarillo personal trainer can recommend a personalized workout that can target these problem areas.

Here are six moves you can try using an exercise ball:

1. Ball Crunch

This is similar to a regular crunch, but your lower back is positioned on the ball. Keep eyes on the ceiling to avoid straining your neck.

2. Ball Crunch Part Two

This move has you lying on the floor, with your calves raised and resting on the ball. Raise shoulders off the floor in a crunch movement.

3. Reverse Ball Crunch

One of the common errors that people make is neglecting the lower abdominal muscles. Toning these muscles can help minimize that annoyingly stubborn "pooch" that you may have.

For this move, lie flat on the floor. Bend knees and grasp the ball with your knees and hamstrings. Squeezing the ball, raise it toward your chest, keeping eyes toward the ceiling. Pause briefly, and lower the ball back to the floor.

4. Ball Side Crunch

Lay on the ball, on your side. Your feet should be on the floor, but apart to help you balance. Raise your upper body off of the ball, and then lower it back down. This works the oblique muscles, helping to tone up those love handles.

5. Ball Sit Up

Similar to the ball crunch, but a full sit up.

6. Ball Jacknife

This exercise has you on the floor in a pushup position with your feet resting on the ball. Keeping them on the ball, roll it forward, bringing your knees toward your chest.

If you want more information on fitness and learning what exercises can get you the body you want, contact Ralph Roberts at the Downtown Athletic Club. Ralph Roberts is an Amarillo personal trainer with years of experience helping people reach their fitness goals.