The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Dumbbell Side Bridge with Bent Leg

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / isolation

A modified side plank that incorporates a lateral leg raise or hold with a dumbbell to increase glute and oblique activation.

Crunch Hold

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

An isometric abdominal exercise that builds core endurance and teaches the ability to maintain tension under load.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dumbbell V-up

Advanced / Dumbbells / Abs / core

An advanced abdominal exercise that requires coordination and strength. It targets the entire rectus abdominis and hip flexors in one explosive move.

Dumbbell Straight Arm Twisting Sit-Up

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

A dynamic core movement that combines spinal flexion with rotation. It targets the rectus abdominis and obliques simultaneously.

Dumbbell Straight Arm Crunch

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

A core isolation exercise that increases the lever length to challenge the upper abdominals. It keeps the core under constant tension.

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.

Dumbbell Russian Twist

Intermediate / Dumbbells / Abs / core

A rotational core exercise targeting the obliques. It improves spinal mobility and lateral abdominal strength under constant cable or weight tension.

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Accessories

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