The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

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 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 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.

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.

Inchworm

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A dynamic movement that combines core stability with a hamstring stretch. It improves shoulder stability and functional flexibility.

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.

Front Plank

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

The gold standard for isometric core stability. It strengthens the transverse abdominis, lower back, and shoulders.

Floor Crunch Feet on Bench

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

An isolation exercise for the upper abs. Elevating the feet on a bench removes the ability to use the legs for momentum.

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