The Best Abs Exercises

Top Exercises

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 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.

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.

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.

Crunch Floor

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

A classic abdominal isolation exercise. It targets the upper rectus abdominis by focusing on spinal flexion and controlled contraction.

Crunch Hold

Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Abs / core

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

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.

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.

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 Crunch

Beginner / Handle Bands / Abs / core

A vertical core exercise targeting the abdominals. The band provides constant tension that challenges the rectus abdominis through spinal flexion.

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Cable Crossover Machine

Cable Machine

Cable Machine with Rope Attachment

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Resistance Bands

Seated Cable Row Machine

Sled Machine

Smith Machine

Stability (Swiss) Ball