5 Best Ab Exercises for Every Workout Routine

We all have seen the people on social media or in the gym with the shredded ab look and thought,

"Why can't I look like that?"

"What can I do to build my abs and core strength?"

"Do I actually need to do abs to have a toned stomach?"

"How can I achieve a flat tummy and toned abs?"

Ab workouts are a GREAT addition to every workout routine! Unfortunately, "spot reduction" fat loss is a MYTH! You cannot simply JUST do ab workouts and expect to see the difference.

The healthiest way to see a visible difference in your weight around your midsection is by doing consistent exercises like cardio and weight training with a combination of a healthy diet.

Does that mean I should STOP doing ab workouts?

Nope! You should never neglect working on your core muscles.

BEYOND looks having a strong core is essential for maintaining good posture, stability, and balance. The core muscles are responsible for supporting the spine and maintaining proper alignment of the pelvis, hips, and shoulders. A weak core can lead to poor posture, back pain, and decreased mobility.

You've got this!

Keep doing those ab exercises. BUT we know there are countless of ab exercises to choose from and it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

So, we've put together a list of the 5 best ab exercises for your new workout routine. These exercises are simple, effective, and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

The 5 Best Ab Exercises for Every Workout Routine

1. Crunches

Crunches are a classic ab exercise that target the rectus abdominis, the muscle responsible for the "six-pack" look.

To perform a crunch, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, keeping your elbows out to the side. Slowly lift your shoulders off the floor, squeezing your abs as you do so. Lower back down to the starting position and repeat.

2. Plank

The plank is a classic ab exercise for building core strength. When you incorporate this movement into your exercise routine it hits the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, and obliques.

To perform a plank, start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line from your head to your heels. Hold this position for as long as you can, keeping your abs engaged and your hips level. As you get stronger, you can increase the duration of your plank.

3. Russian twists

Next on the best ab exercise list is Russian twists. This movement target the obliques, the muscles on the sides of your torso.

To perform a Russian twist, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly, keeping your spine straight. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to the right, tapping the weight on the floor beside you. Twist back to the left and tap the weight on the floor beside your left hip. Repeat.

4. Bicycle crunches

Bicycle crunches are another ab exercise for the obliques, as well as the rectus abdominis.

To perform a bicycle crunch, lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs raised off the floor. Bring your left elbow to your right knee, while straightening your left leg. Then bring your right elbow to your left knee, straightening your right leg. Keep alternating sides, as if pedaling a bicycle.

5. Dead bug

Finishing out the best ab exercise routine is a fan favorite, the dead bug. This ab exercise targets the transverse abdominis, the deepest layer of abdominal muscle.

To perform a dead bug, lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your knees bent. Slowly lower your right arm and left leg towards the floor, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat with your left arm and right leg.

Thoughts on the best ab exercises

Incorporating these ab exercises into your workout routine will help you build core strength and tone your abs. Remember to start with just a few repetitions of each exercise and gradually increase the difficulty as you get stronger. And always listen to your body – if an exercise causes pain or discomfort, stop immediately.

Let's build our abs together with these simple ab exercises!