Are you looking for ab exercises to get you in shape for summer?
Building a strong core is about more than sit-ups and crunches. It's about creating a sustainable core exercise routine, and at YouFit Gyms, we're here to help you do that. Let's take a look at what we consider ten of the best ab exercises for beginners and beyond.
(Add two to four of these core exercises to your workout, and get in shape for your summer trips that much faster.)
Best Ab Exercises To Do Without Equipment
Start with these no-equipment abs exercises if you haven't worked out in years or are just starting your fitness journey. You can perform these ab exercises at home or incorporate them into your gym routine.
Mountain Climbers
This is the best abs exercise for strengthening your core and getting in some cardio. It gets your heart pumping while burning fat in your abs.
- Get into a high plank position, with your hands lined up with your shoulders, your legs extended, and your core tightened.
- Pull your right knee toward your chest and return it to the starting position.
- As you return your right leg to the starting position, pull your left leg toward your chest.
- Repeat the motions rapidly for 30 to 60 seconds, as if you're climbing.
Leg Lift
This lower ab exercise works your lower abdomen.
- Lie flat on your back with your hands by your sides or beneath your butt for stronger support.
- Lift your left leg to a vertical position until it's perpendicular to the floor, and slowly lower it back to the floor.
- Do the same to the right leg and repeat the movement 10 to 20 times. To make it more challenging, lift both legs at once.
Side Planks Rotation
This exercise doesn't just improve your core; it works your obliques.
- Lie on your side and lift your body off the ground while supporting yourself with your forearm.
- With your body in a straight line, extend the free hand towards the ceiling while tightening your abs. (If you're a beginner, you can hold for 60 seconds and stop the exercise here.)
- If you would like to extend the workout, bring your raised hand down under your body and then return to the starting position.
- Repeat a couple of times.
- Repeat the entire routine on the other side of your body.
Deadbug
This ab exercise works almost every part of your deeper core muscles.
- Lie on your back with your arms and legs lifted toward the ceiling. Bend your knees to 90 degrees.
- Extend your left leg until it's parallel to the floor, without touching it; simultaneously extend your right arm behind your head.
- Breathe in, and return to the starting position.
- Repeat the movement on the other leg and hand. Perform the exercise for 30 to 60 seconds.
Russian Twist
The Russian twist is a side-ab and upper-ab exercise that targets love handles and strengthens your core.
- Sit down with your knees bent, creating a V-shape with your body.
- Twist your torso to the right and then the left. Only twist from the ribs and up (don't move your entire body).
- Perform the twisting motion for up to 60 seconds.
- To amp up the intensity: Add a weight.
Best Ab Exercises To Do With Equipment
If you're a member of YouFit Gyms, these exercises are worth trying. Implementing gym equipment into your ab routine is well worth the effort. Here are the best ab exercises to do with equipment to get in shape for summer…
Ab Wheel Plank
Performing the plank with an ab wheel or roller works your entire core to sculpt your abs. It also works your back and arms, and helps you build balance and stability.
- Get on your hands and knees and grasp the ab wheel handles with your palms facing down.
- Extend your arms fully and step back to get into a plank position. Ensure your body is in a single straight line.
- With your toes and the wheel supporting your weight and your core tightened, hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds.
Note: You can also try this exercise in a modified plank position.
Hanging Bicycle
This ab exercise involves using a pull-up bar to perform bicycle crunches. It works your six-pack muscles and burns the fat in your lower belly.
- Hang on a pull-up bar with your palms facing outward and your legs off the floor. Your grip should be slightly more than shoulder-width apart, so your arms aren't too close to your ears.
- Tighten your core and raise your right knee towards your chest. Then, return your right knee and raise your left leg towards your chest.
- Repeat this up-and-down motion without swinging your legs. Try to perform at least 15 reps.
Rower Seat Roll Out
You can do this ab exercise on a rowing machine.
- Stand a few feet away from the back of the rowing machine. Grab the seat and bend into a high push-up position.
- Extend your arms to push the seat forward as far as you can until your back straightens.
- Pull the seat back toward yourself while returning your body to a high plank position.
- Repeat the push-and-pull movement for at least 10 reps.
Incline Bench Sit-Up
The incline bench sit-up is a variation of the traditional sit-up. It challenges your entire core, helping you gain muscle fast.
- Sit on an inclined sit-up bench with your feet on the inclined side.
- Bend your knees to hook your leg under the support bar or anchor. Then, lie on your back and place both hands behind your neck.
- With your abs tight and your back straight, use your core to sit up from the lying position.
- Then lower yourself back onto the bench and repeat the exercise.
Cable Crunches
An enhancement of the typical crunch, in this variation you add weights. It strengthens your upper and lower abs and can improve your posture.
- Stand in front of a cable station and grip the rope attached to the pulley with both hands.
- Then, step backward and kneel on a foam pad. Pull the rope down until your hands are above your head
- Hinge your hip slightly backward and tighten your core, while bending your shoulders toward your pelvis.
- Then lower your upper body as far as possible toward your knees, and then return to your starting position.
- Repeat the movement a couple of times.
Abs-olutely Try These Ab Exercises
Ab exercises can help strengthen your core, improve stability, and support your overall fitness. If you're looking to tone your midsection and feel stronger this summer, these are the exercises to add to your routine:
- Mountain Climbers
- Leg Lift
- Side Plank Rotation
- Dead Bug
- Russian Twist
- Ab Wheel Plank
- Hanging Bicycle
- Rower Seat Roll Out
- Incline Bench Sit-Up
- Cable Crunches
Ready to put these exercises into action? At YouFit Gyms, you'll find everything you need to build a stronger core. Our clubs offer functional training spaces and top-quality equipment, as well as supportive trainers and affordable memberships. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or working toward your next personal best, YouFit Gyms has the tools and community to help you succeed.
