Best Abs Workout Routine
If you are looking for the best abs workout routine, you have come to the right place.
This article will provide you with several different exercises that you can do to help tone and sculpt your abs.
Want a quick 30 min workout routine? Check this guide*
7 Most Popular abs workout exercises
There are several different exercises that you can do to work your abs. The most popular abs workout routines are the following:
#1 basic crunch
The basic crunch is the first exercise in any abs workout routine. This exercise works the rectus abdominis, the muscle that makes up the six-pack.
How to do it:
To do a basic crunch, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and curl your torso up towards your knees. Hold for a second, then lower yourself back down to the starting position.
Variations:
You can also do this exercise with your feet in the air or add weight to increase the challenge.
Benefits:
The basic crunch is a great exercise to help tone and sculpt your abs.
#2 Reverse crunch
The reverse crunch is the second exercise in your abs workout routine. This exercise works the obliques, which are the muscles on the side of your abs.
How to do it:
To do a reverse crunch, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head.
Keeping your back pressed firmly against the floor, use your abs to curl your hips up towards your chest. Hold for a second, then lower them back down to the starting position.
Variations:
You can also do reverse crunches on an incline bench. This will make the exercise more challenging.
Benefits:
The benefit of doing a reverse crunch is that it works the muscles on the side of your abs. These muscles are essential for stabilizing your spine and protecting it from injury.
#3 Pilates roll-up
The Pilates roll-up is the third exercise in your abs workout routine. This exercise works all of the muscles in your abdominal area, including the rectus abdominis, the obliques, and the transverse abdominis.
How to do it:
To do a Pilates roll-up, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head.
Variations:
You can do a Pilates roll-up with or without a Pilates ball. If you have a ball, place it between your knees.
To do the Pilates roll-up with a ball, lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and your ball between your knees.
Slowly lift your head and shoulders off the floor, and curl your body up towards the ball. Pause for a moment, then slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position.
Benefits:
The Pilates roll-up is an excellent exercise for strengthening your abs and improving your flexibility. It also helps to improve your balance and coordination.
#4 Russian Twist
The Russian Twist is the fourth exercise in your abs workout routine. This exercise works the obliques, which are the muscles on the side of your abs.
How to do it:
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet together to twist a Russian. First, hold your hand at your chest, then lean back slightly and twist your torso to the right. Hold for a second, then twist to the left.
Variations:
You can also do this exercise with a weight or medicine ball.
Benefits:
The Russian Twist is an excellent exercise for sculpting the obliques. It also helps to improve flexibility and coordination.
#5 Bicycle Crunch
The Bicycle Crunch is the fifth exercise in your abs workout routine. This exercise works the rectus abdominis, the muscle in the middle of your abs.
How to do it:
To do a bicycle crunch, lie on your back on the floor and place your hands behind your head. Bring your knees to your chest, then lift your shoulder blades off the floor. Simultaneously extend your left leg to the side and bring your right knee towards your chest. Hold for a second, then switch legs and repeat.
Variations:
You can also do this exercise with your feet on a bench or stability ball.
Benefits:
The Bicycle Crunch is an excellent exercise for targeting the rectus abdominis. It also engages your hip flexors and obliques, providing a total ab workout.
#6 Dumbbell crunch
The dumbbell crunch is a great exercise to target the abs. It works the rectus abdominis muscle, as well as the obliques.
How to do it:
To do the dumbbell crunch, lie on your back on the floor and hold a weight in each hand. Place your feet flat on the floor and bend your knees. Bring your elbows to your ribs and curl your torso up off the floor. Pause, then slowly lower yourself back to the starting position.
Variations:
You can do the dumbbell crunch with one arm instead of two, which will work your core muscles a little bit differently. You can also do it with your legs in the air, which will make it a bit more challenging.
Benefits:
The benefit of the dumbbell crunch is that it works more than just the abs. It also targets the rectus abdominis muscle and the obliques.
#7 Pilates Scissor Legs
The Pilates Scissor Legs is a great exercise to target the abs. It works the rectus abdominis muscle, as well as the obliques.
How to do it:
To do the Pilates Scissor Legs, lie on your back on the floor and place your hands on the floor beside you. Bring your legs up in the air and cross them at the ankles. Bring your head and shoulders off the floor, and hold for a few seconds. Then uncross your legs and repeat.
Variations:
You can make this exercise more challenging by lifting one leg higher than the other.
Benefits:
The Pilates Scissor Legs is a great exercise to target the abs. It works the rectus abdominis muscle, as well as the obliques. It is also a good exercise for improving balance.
Conclusion
So there you have it – seven great exercises to help you get a rock-hard core! These exercises are all great for toning and tightening your abs, so give them a try and see how you feel.
Remember to always consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise program.