The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Side Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A fundamental isolation move for the obliques. It helps sculpt the side-waist and improves the mind-muscle connection with the lateral core.

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.

Lying Leg Raise and Hold

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Builds core endurance and targets the lower abdominals. The hold increases time under tension, forcing the core to stabilize the weight of the legs.

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.

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.

Lying Ab Press

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / push

An isometric core exercise that emphasizes the mind-muscle connection. It teaches the ability to resist extension under a manual or weighted load.

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.

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.

Knee Touch Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A simple but effective core isolation exercise focusing on the upper rectus abdominis through a specific target point.

Janda Sit-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

An advanced sit-up that isolates the abs by neurologically inhibiting the hip flexors through hamstring activation.

Hollow Hold

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A foundational isometric core exercise. It teaches the body to maintain tension and a neutral spine, essential for gymnastics and heavy lifting.

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