If you want to get your core in shape, but dread those evil crunches, don't worry. You can still tighten and tone your stomach without doing sit-ups or crunches. Below, we take a look at a few non-crunch exercises that will help flatten your tummy .

New Age Non-Crunch

Begin this exercise by sitting on the ground so that your upper torso and thighs create a V shape. Cross and lift the lower part of your legs. Hold a 5 pound dumbbell or medicine ball. Then swivel to each side and back while pulling the ball across your body. Take care to maintain the V shape during the entirety of the exercise. Perform this three times a week in sets of three. About 10-15 reps constitutes a single set.

Knee-Arm Lift

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Lift your feet off of the ground. Tighten your abs, inhale and lift your arms back and over your head. Exhale before swinging your arms out in front of you. Now straighten your legs so you create a V shape. You can put your hands on the floor if necessary. Perform 15 reps of the knee arm lift.

Six Pack Stretch

You can perform this exercise just about anywhere. Start out lying on the ground, face up. Bend your left knee while keeping your left foot pressed against the ground. Extend your right leg as high as you can. Then reach up with your left arm while keeping your right arm by your side. Keep your shoulders and hips still while opening your raised leg and raised the arm in opposite directions. Keep your abs tight and flexed and bring the raised limbs back to the center position. Perform this exercise 10 times before switching sides.

Donkey Kick

Kneel down on all fours and tuck your toes under. Keep your back straight as you pull your stomach in toward your spine. Now tightly contract your abs and lift your knees off the floor. Keep your abs tight and pull your right knee to your nose. Kick your right leg backward and clench your gluteus maximus along with your abs as tightly as you can.

Each of these exercises will trim fat from your core and strengthen your ab muscles. However, sometimes you can't do it all alone. Lean on the fitness advice of a professional trainer and you won't have to struggle through it by yourself. Consider training with fitness pro Ralph Roberts. Ralph Roberts has worked at the Downtown Athletic Club in Amarillo for  years. You won't find anyone better to help you build a rock solid core.