The best upper ab exercises for women are the ones that give you results. If you want to up your game and strengthen your core, there are a few effective ab exercises that can help you get stronger and healthier.

Here's a look at six such workouts:

Crunches are a great exercise if you're trying to build strong abs. They are especially good in targeting the entire core region, including the upper hemisphere, which means you won't be leaving any muscle behind in this exercise.

Here are some tips when doing crunches:

For those with shoulder issues, place both hands behind your head instead of one behind each ear. Do not arch your lower back at all; keep it flat throughout the exercise.

High planks are a great exercise, targeting the upper abs while also being a superior arm workout compared to low planks.

To do them, follow these steps:

Bicycle crunches are extremely popular among gymgoers for all the right reasons. They're simple and effective and are often more than enough to build a solid set of abs.

Here's how you can do them:

The hollow hold is a great exercise for developing core stability. It's also an effective way to work on the abs and obliques while adding a challenge to your overall fitness routine.

The hollow hold can be performed with just your bodyweight, but you can also add resistance by using dumbbells or even a medicine ball. For example, you could perform the hollow hold with a medicine ball as well as do some additional moves with it, like tosses or passes back and forth between partners.

Here's how to perform this exercise:

You can do side planks on your elbows or hands. Side planks are effective in targeting the obliques and waist, which makes them a great addition to your workout routine.

Do side planks for up to 60 seconds, with 30-45 second breaks in between each set. Once you build some strength and endurance, try holding the plank for longer periods without taking breaks.

Modify this exercise by raising one leg off the floor instead of both legs (that will target more of your core), or by trying it with knees bent (which will focus more on the glutes).

As always, if you experience any pain during an exercise modification like this—such as back pain—stop immediately, and consult with a professional before continuing the workout.

A reverse crunch targets the lower abdominal muscles, which are important for providing support to the torso. As such, it's an effective way to strengthen this area—and thus improve posture—in addition to toning other areas of the core as well.

To do a reverse crunch,

As with any exercise programme, you'll only see results if you're consistent: aim for three sets three times per week. Don't forget that proper technique is essential; don't lift too much weight, or raise yourself too high off of the ground, which can lead to injury.

The best thing about these workouts is that they can be done anywhere and don't require any equipment. Just make sure you do them on a mat or soft surface so that you don't hurt yourself.

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