The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Lever Lying Crunch

Intermediate / Leverage Machine / Abs / core

A machine-based crunch that adds resistance to the abdominal muscles. It allows for a controlled, weighted contraction of the rectus abdominis.

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.

Decline Sit-Up

Intermediate / Ab Bench / Abs / core

A high-intensity variation of the sit-up. The decline position forces the core to work through a larger range of motion and fight greater resistance.

Crunch Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A classic abdominal isolation exercise. It targets the upper rectus abdominis by focusing on spinal flexion and controlled contraction.

Crunch Hold

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

An isometric abdominal exercise that builds core endurance and teaches the ability to maintain tension under load.

Cable Side Bend

Beginner / Cable Crossover Machine / Abs / isolation

Targets the obliques. The cable provides constant lateral resistance, strengthening the abdominal wall and improving spinal stability.

Band Standing Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

A vertical core exercise targeting the abdominals. The band provides constant tension that challenges the rectus abdominis through spinal flexion.

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.

Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs

Advanced / Pull-up Bar / Abs / core

A high-intensity core and grip exercise. It targets the lower abdominals and hip flexors while requiring significant shoulder stability.

Side Bridge Hip Abduction

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A complex exercise targeting the obliques and the glute medius. It builds lateral hip stability and a powerful core simultaneously.

Side Bridge with Bent Leg

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A modified side plank for beginners or high-repetition endurance work. It targets the obliques while reducing the load on the hips.

Reverse Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A fundamental lower-abdominal movement. By curling the pelvis toward the ribs, it targets the lower portion of the rectus abdominis effectively.

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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