How Do You Train Your Abs?

CircuitNomad Updated: 2025-07-31

Planks

Planks are one of the most beneficial exercises for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Not only do they strengthen the abdominal muscles, but they also improve posture, boost metabolism, and reduce back pain.
The basic plank exercise involves lying face down on the floor with your hands or elbows resting on the floor. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds, then lower yourself back down and rest.

Lunges

Lunges are a great lower body and core exercise that can be performed safely and efficiently. They work key muscles like the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves, providing a full body workout.
Lunges are great for building lower body and core strength because they work both the eccentric and concentric phases of muscle contraction, which promotes hypertrophy (growth) and increases muscle size.

Hanging squats

Hanging squats are an excellent exercise for strengthening the abdominal muscles and building core strength. This exercise is a good alternative to sit-ups or crunches in your workout routine. This exercise is
ideal for beginners who are unsure how to safely perform traditional exercises like sit-ups or crunches. However, beware of two common mistakes that can lead to injury: Never use momentum when performing this exercise.

Crunches

Crunches are one of the most popular core exercises and are a great way to get a workout without equipment. This exercise targets both the rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscle that runs along the front of the torso) and the obliques (the hip muscles).
The rectus abdominis and obliques work together to help you flex your spine during crunches. They are an essential part of spinal flexion—the bending of the upper body that occurs during crunches.
This movement requires finesse. Jerking your shoulder blades up can cause the movement to gain momentum and reduce its effectiveness. To perform this movement correctly, you should squeeze your abdominals as you raise your ribs.