The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

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.

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.

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.

Flexion Leg Sit-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A sit-up variation where legs are held in a fixed flexed position. This isolates the upper abdominals and minimizes hip flexor involvement.

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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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