The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Seated In Out Leg Raise on Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

Targets the lower abdominals and hip flexors. It improves core endurance and control through a continuous "in and out" pumping motion.

Resistance Band Lying Leg Raise

Beginner / Mini Loop Bands / Abs / core

A core exercise that targets the lower abdominals and hip flexors. The band adds extra resistance during the eccentric phase.

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.

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.

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.

Groin Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A core exercise that incorporates hip abduction. It targets the lower abdominals and the adductors through a unique leg position.

Dumbbell Side Bend

Beginner / Dumbbells / Abs / isolation

A core exercise targeting the obliques. It improves lateral spinal mobility and strengthens the abdominal wall against lateral forces.

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.

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.

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