The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Cable Side Crunch

Beginner / Hi-Lo Cable Machine / Abs / core

A core exercise targeting the internal and external obliques. The standing or kneeling cable setup provides a constant lateral load.

Cable Standing Crunch

Intermediate / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Abs / core

A vertical core exercise that targets the upper abdominals. It offers constant cable resistance that traditional floor crunches lack.

Cable Kneeling Crunch

Intermediate / Cable Machine with Rope Attachment / Abs / core

A high-tension abdominal exercise. Kneeling allows for a greater range of motion and the ability to add significant resistance to the rectus abdominis.

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 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.

Side Plank

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A staple isometric core movement for lateral stability. It targets the obliques, quadratus lumborum, and shoulder stabilizers.

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.

Quarter Sit-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A sit-up variation focusing on the high-tension initial phase of the movement. It minimizes hip flexor involvement while isolating the upper abs.

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.

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.

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.

Half Sit-Up

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A sit-up variation focusing on the mid-range of the movement to keep the abdominals under constant, high tension.

Explore by Muscle Groups

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