The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Elbow to Knee Sit-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational core exercise that targets the rectus abdominis and obliques. It improves coordination and functional rotational strength of the torso.

Ab Roller Crunch

Advanced / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A core stabilization exercise using an ab roller. It challenges the entire abdominal wall by requiring resistance against spinal extension.

Twist Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational core exercise targeting the obliques and rectus abdominis. It improves waistline definition and rotational spinal health.

Incline Twisting Sit-Up

Intermediate / Ab Bench / Abs / core

Targets the upper abdominals and obliques. The incline increases resistance while the twist adds rotational work for the core.

Ball Sit-Up

Beginner / Stability (Swiss) Ball / Abs / core

An effective core exercise performed on a Swiss ball to increase the range of motion. It targets the rectus abdominis while engaging deep stabilizers for balance.

Alternate Heel Touchers

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A targeted core exercise for the obliques. The repetitive lateral flexion builds side-waist strength and improves spinal mobility.

Roman Chair Sit-Up

Intermediate / Ab Bench / Abs / core

A high-intensity core exercise. Using a Roman chair allows for a deficit range of motion, placing the abdominals under extreme stretch and load.

Pulse-Up

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A high-tension core exercise for the lower abdominals. The vertical hip lift forces the rectus abdominis to work under constant load.

Potty Squat

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / squat

A deep squat designed to improve functional mobility and lower body flexibility. It emphasizes full range of motion in the hips, knees, and ankles.

Lever Seated Leg Raise Crunch

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Abs / core

A compound core movement that targets both the upper and lower abdominals simultaneously by combining a leg raise with a torso crunch.

Barbell Side Bent

Intermediate / Barbell / Abs / isolation

A core exercise targeting the obliques. It improves lateral spinal stability and strengthens the abdominal wall against lateral forces.

Band Side Bend

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / isolation

Targets the obliques. The band provides lateral resistance, strengthening the side-waist and improving spinal stability.

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Cable Crossover Machine

Cable Machine

Cable Machine with Rope Attachment

Free Weights

No Equipment

Resistance Bands

Seated Cable Row Machine

Sled Machine

Smith Machine

Stability (Swiss) Ball