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When it comes to fitness, a strong and perfect core is usually at the top of many people’s wish lists. Not only do well-defined abs look great, but a strong core is crucial for overall strength, stability, and injury prevention. In this article, we will explore 30 of the best abs workout, breaking them down into categories to help you achieve the toned core you desire. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, there is something here for everyone. In this article we will also see best abs workout at home without equipment.
1. Introduction to Best Abs Workout
Achieving a strong and defined core requires more than just aesthetics. A solid core enhances balance, stability, and overall physical performance. This guide aims to provide a detail list of the best abs workouts, categorized to suit all fitness levels and equipment availability.
2. Different muscles of the Core
Understanding the core’s muscle helps target each muscle group effectively. The core includes:
- Rectus Abdominis: The “six-pack” muscles.
- Obliques: Internal and external, responsible for twisting and bending movements.
- Transverse Abdominis: Deep core stabilizers.
- Erector Spinae: Lower back muscles that support the spine.
3. Benefits of Core Strength
- Improved Posture: Strong abs support the spine.
- Better Balance and Stability: Essential for all physical activities.
- Injury Prevention: A strong core reduces the risk of injuries, especially in the lower back.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Vital for sports and fitness activities.
4. Warm-Up Exercises
Before diving into your abs workout, it’s crucial to warm up properly. Here are some effective warm-up exercises:
- Cat-Cow Stretch: Mobilizes the spine.
- Hip Circles: Loosens the hips and lower back.
- Torso Twists: Engages the obliques and prepares the core.
- Jumping Jacks: Elevates the heart rate.
5. Beginner Abs Workouts
Crunches
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Place your hands behind your head, elbows out.
- Lift your shoulders off the floor and squeeze your abs.
- Lower back down slowly.
Reps: 15-20
Bicycle Crunches
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back, lift your legs, and bend your knees at a 90-degree angle.
- Place your hands behind your head.
- Bring your right elbow towards your left knee while straightening the right leg.
- Switch sides in a pedaling motion.
Reps: 20-30
Plank
How to Do It:
- Start in a push-up position, weight on your forearms.
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Hold this position, engaging your core.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
Reverse Crunches
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet off the floor.
- Place your hands by your sides.
- Lift your hips off the floor, bringing your knees towards your chest.
- Lower back down slowly.
Reps: 15-20
Mountain Climbers
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position.
- Bring your right knee towards your chest.
- Switch legs rapidly, as if running in place.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
6. Intermediate Abs Workouts
Leg Raises: best abs workout for lower abs
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with legs straight.
- Place your hands under your glutes for support.
- Lift your legs towards the ceiling.
- Lower them back down slowly without touching the floor.
Reps: 15-20
Russian Twists
How to Do It:
- Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet off the ground.
- Hold your hands together in front of you.
- Twist your torso to the right, then to the left.
Reps: 20-30 (each side)
Flutter Kicks
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with legs straight.
- Lift your legs slightly off the floor.
- Alternate kicking your legs up and down in a fluttering motion.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
This workout is considered among the best abs workout.
Side Plank
How to Do It:
- Lie on your side, supporting your body on one forearm.
- Keep your body in a straight line.
- Hold this position.
Duration: 30-60 seconds (each side)
V-Ups
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with legs straight.
- Lift your legs and torso simultaneously, reaching for your toes.
- Lower back down slowly.
Reps: 15-20
7. Advanced Abs Workouts
Hanging Leg Raises
How to Do It:
- Hang from a pull-up bar.
- Lift your legs towards the ceiling while keeping them straight.
- Lower back down slowly.
Reps: 10-15
Dragon Flags
How to Do It:
- Lie on a bench and hold onto the bench behind your head.
- Lift your entire body up, keeping it straight.
- Lower your body back down in a controlled manner.
Reps: 5-10
Windshield Wipers
How to Do It:
- Hang from a pull-up bar with legs together.
- Swing your legs to the right and then to the left.
Reps: 10-15 (each side)
Ab Rollouts: best abs workout at gym
How to Do It:
- Kneel on the floor with an ab wheel.
- Roll the wheel forward, extending your body.
- Roll back to the starting position.
Reps: 10-15
L-Sit
How to Do It:
- Sit on the floor with legs extended.
- Lift your body off the ground, supporting it with your hands.
- Hold this position.
Duration: 15-30 seconds
8. Core Workouts using abs workout machine
Cable Crunches
How to Do It:
- Kneel in front of a cable machine with a rope attachment.
- Hold the rope and pull it down towards your knees, crunching your abs.
- Return to the starting position.
Reps: 15-20
Medicine Ball Slams
How to Do It:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a medicine ball.
- Lift the ball overhead and slam it into the ground.
- Catch the ball on the rebound.
Reps: 15-20
Stability Ball Pike
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position with your feet on a stability ball.
- Roll the ball towards your hands, lifting your hips into a pike position.
- Roll back to the starting position.
Reps: 10-15
Kettlebell Swings
How to Do It:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands.
- Swing the kettlebell between your legs and then up to shoulder height.
- Use your hips and core to power the movement.
Reps: 15-20
9. Bodyweight Workouts: Top ab exercises without equipment
Hollow Body Hold
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with arms extended overhead and legs straight.
- Lift your shoulders and legs off the ground, holding your body in a hollow position.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
Toe Touches
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with legs extended towards the ceiling.
- Reach for your toes with your hands
, lifting your shoulders off the ground.
- Lower back down slowly.
Reps: 15-20
Scissor Kicks
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with legs straight.
- Lift your legs slightly off the floor.
- Cross your legs over each other in a scissor-like motion.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
Spiderman Plank
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position.
- Bring your right knee towards your right elbow.
- Switch sides in a controlled manner.
Reps: 15-20 (each side)
Plank with Shoulder Tap
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position.
- Tap your left shoulder with your right hand.
- Switch sides, maintaining core stability.
Reps: 20-30
10. Dynamic and Functional Core Workouts
Turkish Get-Up
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back holding a kettlebell in one hand.
- Rise to a standing position while keeping the kettlebell overhead.
- Reverse the movement back to the starting position.
Reps: 5-10 (each side)
Renegade Rows
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position with dumbbells in each hand.
- Row one dumbbell towards your hip while balancing on the other arm.
- Switch sides.
Reps: 10-15 (each side)
Battle Ropes
How to Do It:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the ends of the battle ropes.
- Alternate slamming the ropes onto the ground.
Duration: 30-60 seconds
TRX Pike
How to Do It:
- Start in a plank position with feet in TRX straps.
- Lift your hips towards the ceiling, forming a pike position.
- Return to the starting position.
Reps: 10-15
Sledgehammer Swings
How to Do It:
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a sledgehammer.
- Swing the sledgehammer down onto a tire.
- Alternate sides.
Reps: 15-20
11. Conclusion to Best Abs Workouts
Building a strong and defined core requires dedication and consistency. Include these 30 best abs workouts into your routine, ensuring you target all areas of the core. Remember, combining these exercises with a healthy diet and regular cardio will help you achieve the best results.
You can also read about abs workout with dumbbell