The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Cable Seated Crunch

Beginner / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Abs / core

A machine-based abdominal exercise that allows for heavy resistance and precise control over the rectus abdominis.

Cable Reverse Crunch

Intermediate / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Abs / core

A core exercise targeting the lower abdominals. The cable resistance adds a unique challenge to the eccentric phase of the movement.

Cable Hanging Leg Raise

Intermediate / Cable Crossover Machine / Abs / core

An advanced core exercise. Attaching cables to the feet adds resistance to the hip flexors and lower abdominals during the hanging lift.

Band Side Bend

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / isolation

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

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.

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.

Vertical Leg Raise

Intermediate / Captain's Chair / Abs / core

A powerful lower-abdominal exercise. Lifting the legs vertically targets the lower rectus abdominis and hip flexors while building core endurance.

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.

March Sit

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A core and hip flexor exercise. The marching motion challenges pelvic stability while the seated position isolates the abdominal wall.

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Accessories

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