The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Band Overhead Side Bend

Intermediate / Handle Bands / Abs / isolation

Targets the obliques and improves lateral spinal mobility. Holding the band overhead increases the challenge to the core stabilizers.

Alternate Oblique Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational abdominal exercise targeting the internal and external obliques. It helps define the waistline and improves core coordination.

Wipers

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

An advanced rotational core exercise targeting the obliques and transverse abdominis. It builds extreme rotational control and stability.

Weighted Crunch

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

A resistance-based abdominal exercise designed to build muscle thickness. Adding weight forces the rectus abdominis to work harder against gravity for maximum hypertrophy.

Tuck Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Targets the upper and lower abdominals. The simultaneous movement of the torso and knees maximizes the contraction of the rectus abdominis.

Seated Alternate Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational core exercise targeting the abdominals and obliques. The seated position forces a strict contraction by isolating the upper body.

Oblique Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A targeted abdominal exercise focusing on the internal and external obliques. It improves lateral core definition and enhances rotational stability.

Oblique Crunches Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A classic floor-based core move for the obliques. It creates a powerful mind-muscle connection for better abdominal control and functional rotation.

Decline Leg Hip Raise

Intermediate / Ab Bench / Abs / core

An advanced abdominal exercise targeting the lower rectus abdominis. The decline angle increases gravity's resistance throughout the leg lift and hip pop.