Building visible, strong abs isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a rock-solid core that supports everything from posture to power. If crunches are the only move in your arsenal, it’s time to expand your routine. These exercises go beyond the basics to help you target every angle of your midsection, from deep stabilizers to your obliques.
1. Dead Bug
Don’t be fooled by the name—this move is a core classic. Dead bugs help you learn proper core engagement while moving your limbs, which makes them perfect for beginners and surprisingly effective for seasoned lifters.
How to do it: Lie on your back with arms reaching to the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees. Slowly lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor. Pause just before they touch down, then return to start. Alternate sides with control.
2. Hanging Leg Raises
A favorite among gymnasts, this move lights up your lower abs while challenging grip, shoulder, and upper-body endurance.
How to do it: Hang from a pull-up bar with arms extended. Without swinging, raise your legs until they’re parallel to the floor or higher. For an extra burn, aim to touch your toes to the bar.
3. Cable Woodchopper
If you're aiming to carve out your waistline and build rotational power, the cable woodchopper is your go-to. It mimics real-life twisting motions—great for sports and daily function.
How to do it: Set a cable at shoulder height. Grab the handle with both hands and pull it diagonally across your body while twisting your torso. Keep your hips facing forward. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.
4. Ab Rollout
This deceptively simple move is brutal in the best way. It demands full-body control and targets the entire front of your core.
How to do it: Start on your knees with an ab wheel or barbell in front of you. Roll forward slowly, keeping your abs tight and spine neutral. Stop before your back arches, then return to the start.
5. Plank with Shoulder Taps
Add movement to your plank and watch your stability skyrocket. This move teaches your core to resist rotation—a critical skill for real-life strength.
How to do it: Begin in a high plank. Keeping your hips as still as possible, lift one hand to tap the opposite shoulder. Alternate sides with control.
6. Weighted Decline Sit-Ups
Ready to level up from standard sit-ups? Grab a weight and use a decline bench to increase range and resistance for serious ab burn.
How to do it: Hold a dumbbell or plate across your chest. Lower slowly down the decline, then sit up with control. Focus on form over speed.
7. Side Plank with Reach-Under
Think of this as a dynamic upgrade to the side plank. The reach-under challenges your balance, obliques, and rotation strength—all at once.
How to do it: Get into a side plank on your forearm. Extend your top arm up, then reach it underneath your body in a twist. Return to start and repeat.
8. Russian Twists
This twisting move builds rotational core strength while torching your obliques and hip flexors.
How to do it: Sit on the floor with knees bent and heels hovering. Holding a weight or medicine ball, rotate your torso from side to side, tapping the floor beside you each time.
9. Toe Touches
A simple but effective move that targets the upper abs. High reps = high burn.
How to do it: Lie on your back with legs extended straight up. Reach your arms toward your toes, lifting your shoulder blades off the ground using your abs.
10. Mountain Climbers
Think cardio meets core workout. This explosive move works your abs while building endurance and breaking a sweat.
How to do it: From a high plank, drive one knee at a time toward your chest as fast as you can. Stay tight through the core and keep your hips low.
11. Stir the Pot
Plank too easy? Add a stability ball and stir the pot—literally. It’s one of the most effective anti-rotation exercises out there.
How to do it: In a forearm plank with elbows on a Swiss ball, gently move your arms in small circles. Keep your core locked in and your hips steady. Switch directions after a few reps.
12. L-Sit
Part core, part upper-body strength test. The L-sit is an advanced move that challenges your abs, quads, hip flexors, and shoulder strength all at once.
How to do it: Using parallel bars or yoga blocks, lift yourself up and extend your legs out straight in front of you to form an "L." Hold for a few seconds, rest, and repeat.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a six-pack to have a strong core. The real magic happens when you train smart—with variety, intention, and patience. Mix a few of these exercises into your weekly routine, and you’ll not only see progress, you’ll feel it in every movement you make.