The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

Side Bridge with Bent Leg

Intermediate / Bodyweight-only / Abs / isolation

A modified side plank for beginners or high-repetition endurance work. It targets the obliques while reducing the load on the hips.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Band Decline Sit-Up

Intermediate / Handle Bands / Abs / core

Increases the challenge to the abdominals by using a band to add resistance. It improves core strength and power through an increased load.

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.

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 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.

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.