The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Lying Elbow To Knee

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A floor-based rotational core move. It provides high-tension work for the rectus abdominis and obliques while staying safe for the lower back.

Half Wipers

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A rotational core exercise targeting the obliques. It is a modification of the full floor wiper, focusing on control and spinal stability.

Front Plank

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

The gold standard for isometric core stability. It strengthens the transverse abdominis, lower back, and shoulders.

Dumbbell Straight Leg Russian Twist

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

An advanced rotational exercise that challenges the obliques and hip flexors. Keeping the legs straight increases the demand on the lower core.

Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

The staple movement for abdominal development. It isolates the rectus abdominis by shortening the distance between the sternum and the pelvis.

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.

Lying Scissor Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A dynamic movement targeting the lower abs and obliques. The scissoring of the legs keeps the core under constant, varied tension.

Long Arm Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Increases the lever length of the upper body, making the standard crunch significantly more difficult for the upper abdominals.

Hanging Knees to Elbows

Intermediate / Pull-up Bar / Abs / core

A dynamic core movement targeting the lower abs and obliques. Hanging improves grip strength while the knee lift isolates the core.

Dumbbell V-up

Advanced / Dumbbells / Abs / core

An advanced abdominal exercise that requires coordination and strength. It targets the entire rectus abdominis and hip flexors in one explosive move.

Dumbbell Straight Arm Twisting Sit-Up

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

A dynamic core movement that combines spinal flexion with rotation. It targets the rectus abdominis and obliques simultaneously.

Dumbbell Side Bridge with Bent Leg

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / isolation

A modified side plank that incorporates a lateral leg raise or hold with a dumbbell to increase glute and oblique activation.

Explore by Muscle Groups

Explore by Equipment

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