The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Inchworm

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A dynamic movement that combines core stability with a hamstring stretch. It improves shoulder stability and functional flexibility.

Decline Crunch

Intermediate / Ab Bench / Abs / core

Increases the challenge to the abdominals by using a decline bench. The increased range of motion forces the core to work harder against gravity.

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.

Twisting Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Similar to the twist crunch, this move emphasizes continuous rotational tension in the abdominals to build functional core strength.

Stability Ball Crunch

Beginner / Stability (Swiss) Ball / Abs / core

A classic core builder that utilizes an unstable surface to recruit more muscle fibers. It primarily strengthens the upper abdominals and improves spinal stability.

Sideways Lifts Vertical

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Targets the medial deltoids through a vertical range of motion. It builds shoulder roundness and improves overall upper-body silhouette.

Seated Side Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Targets the obliques and lateral core. The seated position allows for a focused lateral flexion that improves side-waist strength.

Seated Leg Raise

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

An isolation exercise for the lower abs and hip flexors. It builds the strength needed for more advanced hanging leg raises.

Seated In Out Leg Raise on Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Targets the lower abdominals and hip flexors. It improves core endurance and control through a continuous "in and out" pumping motion.

Russian Twist

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational core move for the obliques. It improves spinal mobility and trains the core to handle rotational forces, essential for many sports.

Lever Total Abdominal Crunch

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Abs / core

A comprehensive core exercise that targets the entire abdominal wall by providing resistance for both the upper and lower torso.

Lever Seated Crunch

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Abs / core

A weighted abdominal exercise that provides targeted resistance to the rectus abdominis. The seated position allows for better isolation of the core muscles.