Abs & Core Exercises focus on strengthening the abdominal muscles, obliques, and deep core muscles that support posture, balance, and overall athletic performance.
This category includes a complete range of ab and core workouts — from beginner-friendly movements to advanced cable, dumbbell, resistance band, and bodyweight exercises. You’ll find detailed guides on exercise form, muscles worked, benefits, variations, and effective workout routines.
Whether your goal is visible abs, a stronger core, better stability, or injury prevention, these exercises help improve strength, endurance, and functional movement.
Use these abs and core exercises to build a strong midsection, enhance athletic performance, support spinal health, and improve overall fitness safely and effectively.
The Standing Oblique Crunch is a bodyweight (or optionally weighted) exercise that resembles regular oblique crunches, but you do them standing up. It primarily involves lateral flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine in the frontal plane, bringing the rib cage closer to the pelvis on one side. This is often accompanied by a contralateral knee lift … Read more
Working on your abdominal muscles is important if you want a strong, toned core. When starting with ab training, terms like “V-ups” and “pall-of-press” can get slightly overwhelming. As a beginner, you might not be familiar with the many ab exercises available. And trying new workouts or understanding different routines can be challenging if you … Read more
Working on your oblique muscles is important if you want a strong, toned core. When starting with oblique training, terms like “Side Crunch” and “Russian twists” can get slightly overwhelming. As a beginner, you might not be familiar with the many oblique exercises available. And trying new workouts or understanding different routines can be hard … Read more
A strong core is not just about looking good—it’s the foundation of true fitness for men. It’s a complete system of muscles around your midsection that protects your spine, improves balance, and prevents injuries. After testing countless routines, I’m convinced these exercises deliver the best results for men. This guide covers essential core exercises you … Read more
Standing Oblique Twist, also known as standing twist or side twist, is a simple yet effective exercise that targets the oblique muscles (the sides of your abdominal wall). The twisting motion of this exercise is a great way to engage and strengthen your core muscles. It also helps to improve spine mobility. Interestingly, research shows … Read more
The cable side bends effectively target the internal and external obliques, strengthen the lateral flexion of your spine, improve spinal mobility, and help to develop a strong and stable core. Unlike traditional dumbbell side bends (which can sometimes strain the lower back), the cable machine provides constant tension. This forces your obliques to work harder throughout … Read more
Many people want to get six-pack abs, but they get bored with doing crunches and sit-ups all the time. If you add dumbbells to your ab training, you will give your abs the stimulus they need to grow and adapt. Dumbbell exercises also help to train your core from different angles, making you stable and … Read more
A portable abs bench is a great way to strengthen and tone your abs without spending much money on expensive gym equipment. They come in simple foldable designs, larger stationary models (often with rollers/handles), and advanced adjustable versions. They all help train all the major abdominal muscles, including the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis. … Read more
The plank-to-pushup, also known as the Plank push-up, is a combination of the two exercises (Plank and Push-up) that provides the benefits of both. It is a brilliant bodyweight exercise that helps you to develop the strength and stability of your core and upper body. It is simple to perform; you alternate between a high plank and a forearm … Read more
The cable wood chop is also known as the cable up-down twist. This exercise effectively strengthens your torso’s twisting movement and enhances its ability to resist twisting forces. It primarily targets the abs and oblique muscles; it also employs the shoulders, back, and glutes. You can do wood chops with a medicine ball or dumbbell, but … Read more
The side plank dip, also called the side plank hip lift, is an excellent exercise for strengthening your obliques and outer thighs. This move starts in a side plank position, where you support your body with one arm and your feet (or knees for a modified version). From there, you lower your hips toward the … Read more
The Side plank is a great bodyweight exercise that helps you develop the strength and stability of your core. Your muscles are strengthened without moving your limbs. It helps to strengthen the oblique abdominal muscles, which don’t get worked as much during abs exercises such as crunches. It also targets the back, hips, and leg muscles. The most … Read more
The Dumbbell wood chop, also known as the dumbbell up-down twist, is an effective full-body exercise that builds rotational power and core strength. This exercise activates your trunk in a rotational movement pattern and multiple abdominal and back muscles for stability. In addition, your shoulders, legs, and arms provide stability and mobility. This strengthens your torso’s twisting movement … Read more
The plank is a brilliant bodyweight exercise that helps you develop your core’s strength and stability. It is an isometric core strength exercise that improves balance and endurance. The’ plank’ exercise requires you to maintain a straight and rigid posture, similar to a plank of wood. Planking is a static exercise that works for multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This helps … Read more
Side Crunches, or side-to-side crunches, are among the best core exercises for strengthening the obliques and other core muscles. They are perhaps the most user-friendly workouts for training your oblique that you can do at home or in the gym. It also can help relieve pressure on the lower back and prevent injury by working … Read more
You don’t need fancy gym equipment or $200/month memberships. A simple resistance band can deliver better results than most ab machines. I know what you’re thinking: “Really? A $10 rubber band is going to give me a six-pack?” Well, a 2019 study found that resistance band training was just as effective as traditional weight training … Read more
Studies show you can transform your core strength in just 20 minutes—without ever stepping foot in a gym. I’m talking about visible abs, improved posture, and bulletproof core stability. Here’s the deal: I created a workout that requires no equipment and has been tried by over 1,00 of my clients. The results? 89% reported visible … Read more
Crossover crunch, often referred to as cross-crunch, is a dynamic variation of traditional crunch that offers unique benefits. Unlike a regular crunch, which focuses primarily on the rectus abdominis (your “six-pack” muscles), the crossover motion engages the internal and external obliques on either side of your core. The movement’s rotational aspect helps improve flexibility and … Read more
It is important to train and build strong oblique and abs muscles to improve performance in exercise, sports, and everyday functional movements. These standing abs exercises target not only the abs muscle but also help stimulate the core—including the oblique, back, and glutes—to help you sculpt, tone, and strengthen the abs and obliques. Unlike the usual mat moves, standing … Read more
Oblique crunches (side crunches) are similar to regular crunches, except they involve crunching the side abs (oblique). The side crunch is a core exercise that strengthens the obliques and the other core muscles. Engaging the muscles that help to support and stabilize the spine, oblique crunches can ease back pain and safeguard against harm. There … Read more
In and Outs Abs Workout is a simple yet effective routine that targets all the key muscles in your core, including your rectus abdominis (your six-pack muscles), transverse abdominis, and obliques. It is beginner-friendly but easily adjustable if you want to increase the intensity. It operates by alternating “in” exercises, such as crunch variations that … Read more
The weight plate side bend is an effective exercise for training the internal and external obliques. It also strengthens the spine’s lateral flexion, improves spinal mobility, and helps develop a strong and stable core. It also helps to get rid of the extra layer of fat around the waistline, reduce the risk of back pain, and improve functional … Read more
The Cable Crunch is a great exercise for building core strength and defining your abs. It’s especially effective if you’re looking for a movement that can add real resistance to your ab workouts. While doing a weighted crunch is okay, but holding a weight plate on your chest or behind your head can be uncomfortable … Read more
The 45-degree side bend, also known as oblique hyperextension, is a great workout for strengthening the oblique, strengthening the lateral flexion of the spine, improving spinal mobility, and helping develop a strong and stable core. It is commonly performed on the Roman chair, which was originally designed for lumbar extension. It allows you to support … Read more
The kettlebell side bend is one of the best exercises that mainly target the side abs also known as “obliques”. It effectively targets the internal and external obliques, strengthens the spine’s lateral flexion, improves spinal mobility, and helps develop a strong and stable core. It contributes to a stronger core, reduces the risk of back pain, and improves functional … Read more
Training the oblique muscles will help shape and tone the waistline. The dumbbell side bend is an effective isolation exercise that targets the side abs, specifically the oblique muscles. The side bend effectively targets the internal and external obliques, strengthens lateral spinal flexion, improves spinal mobility, and develops a strong core. It helps to reduce the risk of … Read more
Weighted side bends are a great exercise for targeting your core, particularly the oblique muscles. You can add this move to your routine to tone and shape your waistline. Not only do weighted side bends help sculpt your obliques, but they also boost your back’s stability, which can help prevent injuries and protect your lower … Read more
Barbell side bends free weight and isolation exercises that work for muscle groups on the side of your body—specifically, the oblique muscles—and also target the lower back. When done with the right form and technique, it improves the spine’s lateral flexion and functional mobility. Side bends stretch the abdominal muscles and digestive organs, aiding and regulating digestion, elimination, and … Read more
Bench sit-ups are one of the most popular abdominal exercises, and for good reason. They’re easy to do, work well, and can be adjusted to suit your needs. Because of their simplicity and effectiveness, they are a staple in many fitness routines. The decline crunch may be an old-school exercise, but make no mistake, it’s … Read more
The cable machine workout is perhaps the most versatile and user-friendly way to train your ab and oblique muscles in the gym. Unlike bodyweight abdominal exercises, cable ab workouts provide consistent time under tension. This means greater core muscle activation and better results for both development and strength. Cables also allow a wide range of motion and enable you to … Read more
A plank walk, also known as a walking plank, is a dynamic variation of the traditional plank exercise. Why plank walk is so important? This unique bodyweight exercise builds core stability in your abs, obliques, lower back, and beyond. It is an excellent low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere to build core strength. Unlike stationary … Read more
Six-pack abs look impressive, but they’re only one part of the stronger core puzzle. You need to train your obliques to build a truly functional, powerful midsection. Often dismissed as mere side abs, these muscles are vital for rotation, stability, and core strength. The obliques are a group of muscles that run along the sides … Read more
The Landmine twist, also known as landmine rotation, is extremely versatile and effective for strengthening the core and building functional strength. It is a rotational abdominal movement performed using an angled barbell anchored at floor level in a landmine device. If you don’t have access to a landmine attachment, you can still perform the landmine … Read more
Home is a great place to carve up your core—after all, a six-pack is usually made in the kitchen. A six-pack is a sign of overall well-being and completes physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and a nutrient-rich diet that begins at home. Whatever your fitness level, it’s always better to do an abs workout that … Read more
If you want to build stronger abs and obliques, add this side plank variation to your workout routine. The side plank rotation, also known as the plank twist, is a brilliant bodyweight exercise that helps you develop the strength and stability of your core. It combines your standard side plank with rotation into one move that will … Read more
The Side plank crunch, also known as the elbow-to-knee side plank crunch, is a great exercise for building strength and stability of core muscles. It combines your standard crunches with side plank exercise into one move that will challenge your balance, tone up your waist, and strengthen your core. Side plank crunch works your whole … Read more
Are you ready to build a strong core and sculpt your upper abs to achieve that coveted six-pack definition? Let Begin. I will give you my top picks for upper ab exercises that I’ve found incredibly effective. These aren’t just random moves I’ve picked up; these are the exercises that have consistently delivered results for … Read more
The love handles (muffin tops) are the accumulations of fat on the sides of the waist, just above the hips. They get their name from the idea that they look like handles you could grab onto Love handles can be frustrating because they can be difficult to get rid of and may affect the shape … Read more
To effectively train oblique muscles at home, you must understand the biomechanics behind them so that you can easily modify the exercises according to your fitness level and requirements. The oblique muscles consist of the external obliques and internal obliques. Both muscles contribute to trunk rotation, side bending, and core stability. These are top oblique … Read more
Forget endless crunches that do nothing for your lower abs. Imagine getting that coveted V-cut physique you’ve always wanted. I have long struggled to show off my lower abs. But after researching and trying, I finally found a way. Here it is. This is not simply another list of lower ab exercises. I have compiled … Read more
We all want a shredded oblique to get a V-shaped bench-ready body. Oblique muscles, also known as “love handles,” are visible when someone has excess fat on the sides of their body. Obliques are an important part of your entire core that is useful during rotational exercises and balancing your way through everyday life. These … Read more
Do you want to tone up and strengthen your core muscles, especially the obliques, with a dumbbell? Look no further! Here, I will share the best and most effective dumbbell exercises specifically designed to target and engage the oblique muscles. The dumbbell is a versatile and accessible tool that allows for an increased range of … Read more
Do you ever want super strong abs, like a washboard tummy? But working out often doesn’t always make your lower abs look better, right? Strange. Here’s the deal: your core is like a team. Everyone, not just some players, needs to be strong. If you ignore your lower abs, your core can become unstable, which … Read more
You can build mass and strength by challenging yourself with landmine exercises. Landmine workouts are empowering and extremely helpful and should be part of your training arsenal. It is extremely versatile and effective for building functional strength through all planes of motion. You can train your legs, chest, shoulders, arm, back, and core with these … Read more
Are you tired of endless crunches and sit-ups? And want to transform your pull-up bar into a core-strengthening machine. Let’s Know HOW. The pull-up bar is a versatile tool that lets you hit your core muscles from various angles. One of the best things about pull-up bar exercises is that they work your whole core … Read more
You are in the right place if you are looking for the best abs exercises and workouts that you can do at the gym to build six-pack abs and strong core muscles. Anyone can achieve a toned and chiseled six-pack with the right abs workouts. We will take you through the most effective ab exercises … Read more
A rotary torso machine, sometimes referred to as a torso rotation machine, strengthens your core muscles. It isolates the hard-to-target obliques more directly than some other ab machines and free-weight exercises. Strengthening the core with the torso rotation machine can help athletes improve their rotational power and prevent lower back injuries. Regular use can: You … Read more
Want ripped, toned abs and obliques? Abs machines are a great way to challenge your core muscles and get faster results. At the gym, abs machines make it easy to isolate your abs and hit them with different angles with targeted resistance. This is a more effective method than simply crunching on the floor. Whether … Read more
Do you want to improve your core strength but don’t know where to start? Not to worry! Strengthening your core can be achieved with just 10 basic exercises for beginners at home. With focused effort, these simple yet effective core exercises will help you increase your stability and strength while improving your physical performance. Strengthening … Read more