The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

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.

Leg Extension Crunch

Beginner / Stability (Swiss) Ball / Abs / core

A complex abdominal movement that combines a traditional crunch with leg extension. It emphasizes both the upper and lower rectus abdominis for total core development.

Captains Chair Straight Leg Raise

Intermediate / Captain's Chair / Abs / core

A high-intensity abdominal exercise targeting the lower rectus abdominis and hip flexors. It requires significant core stability to prevent swinging.

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 Kneeling Crunch

Intermediate / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Abs / core

A high-tension abdominal exercise. Kneeling allows for a greater range of motion and the ability to add significant resistance to the rectus abdominis.

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 Standing Twisting Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

Combines vertical spinal flexion with rotation. It targets the entire abdominal wall and obliques for complete core development and stability.

Band Kneeling Twisting Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

Combines spinal flexion with rotation. It targets the rectus abdominis and obliques simultaneously for complete core development.

Band Kneeling Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

A targeted abdominal exercise. The kneeling position allows for a greater focus on the contraction of the rectus abdominis against the band's resistance.