The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

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.

Band Upper Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

Targets the upper rectus abdominis. The band adds resistance to the standard crunch, increasing the load on the upper abdominals for better development.

Band Kneeling Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

A targeted abdominal exercise. The kneeling position allows for a greater focus on the contraction of the rectus abdominis against the band's resistance.

Alternate Oblique Crunch

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A rotational abdominal exercise targeting the internal and external obliques. It helps define the waistline and improves core coordination.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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Explore by Equipment

Bodyweight-only

BOSU Balance Trainer

Cable Crossover Machine

Cable Machine with Rope Attachment

Captain's Chair

Hi-Lo Cable Machine

Lat Pulldown Machine

Leverage Machine

Mini Loop Bands

Resistance Bands

Seated Cable Row Machine

Stability (Swiss) Ball