A lot of people tell themselves, "I want six pack abs!" Everyone wishes for washboard abs, but not everyone knows that with toned abdominal muscles comes many other benefits. The strength of your mid-section does more than just determine how you will look in a bathing suit.

If you perform endless crunches and other stomach exercise in hopes of gaining the perfect, flat tummy, you should know what else you will be gaining.

1. Defined Waist

When your mid-section is not toned and you are carrying extra tummy weight, you can lose the definition of your waist. Your curves might disappear and you might feel lumpy. Or, your mid-section might become the biggest part of your body.

You might find it difficult to find clothes that fit well and look attractive, and your self image could plummet. With a regular stomach exercise routine, you could be on the road to a flatter, toned tummy and a well-defined waist.

2. Better Posture

When your tummy is flabby, your posture follows the same rule. If your stomach area is flabby, you will most likely have poor posture. Your shoulders might hunch over and you might find it difficult to do anything but slouch when you sit.

When you strengthen your abdominal muscles through stomach exercise, you will find it easier to sit up straight. Your strong mid-section will provide stability for your body and you will find yourself standing straighter.

Not only will you find it easier to stand straighter, but your body will naturally stand straighter. With a straighter posture, you will appear taller, you will look more confident, and your clothes will hang on your body more attractively,

3. Better Digestion

When you have poor posture due to undefined abdominal muscles, your digestive tract can become compressed and aggravated. Food and waste might have a harder time navigating your digestive tract.

When you perform regular stomach exercise and strengthen your abdominal muscles, your posture improves. With improved posture, your digestive tract is more likely to be situated as intended, and your food and waste will move through your digestive tract much easier.

4. Relieve Lower Back Pain

If you suffer from lower back pain, strengthening your abdominal muscles with stomach exercise may improve your condition. When your abdominal muscles are weak, your lower back must work harder to support your upper body.

Stomach exercise will help create strong abdominal muscles that will help your back support your upper body. When your abs and back muscles are able to work together, a portion of the load is taken away from your lower back.

5. Move Easier

Do you have problems getting up out of a chair? Is it difficult to pick up your toddler? Do you find it hard to get out of bed?

Your weak abdominal muscles might be the reason. We use our abdominal muscles for a wide variety of movements that we use every day. If your abdominal muscles are weak, your might find it difficult to move around and perform regular daily activities.

Strengthen your abdominal muscles with stomach exercise and you will find it easier to get around.

6. Increased Self Image

Let's face it. When you look better, and move better, you feel better about yourself. When you put on extra pounds and let your body go, your self image can plummet.

Exercise, in general, can increase your energy level and melt extra pounds. If you dedicate yourself to feeling and looking better, you can drastically improve the way you look at your life. Stomach exercise to tone your abdominal muscles, along with a regular cardiovascular exercise routine, can boost your energy, change the way you look, and help boost your self image.