If you’re looking for the best abs exercises that work for you, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my 5 favorite abs exercises that have worked wonders for me. These exercises have been key in helping me build strong core muscles, and I’m sure they will do the same for you. Keep reading to learn more about the best abs exercises that have worked for me.
1) Seated Russian Twist
The Seated Russian Twist is a great abs exercise to target your core muscles, obliques, and even your lower back. It is easy to do and can be done from almost any seated position. To perform this exercise, sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at 90 degrees. Place your hands in front of you and twist your torso to one side and then to the other, making sure to keep your shoulders square and your core engaged throughout the movement. Repeat this motion for 8-12 repetitions on each side.
2) Pilates Scissor
Pilates Scissor is a great way to target and tone your abdominal muscles. This exercise will help you strengthen your core, improve balance and stability, and even reduce back pain.
The exercise requires you to lie on your back and keep your feet together. Next, bring your knees up to your chest and hold them there. Then, bring one knee up towards your chest while keeping the other leg extended straight out in front of you. Do this for a few seconds, then switch legs and repeat the movement.
While doing Pilates Scissor, make sure that you keep your abdominal muscles engaged throughout the entire movement. Also, ensure that your lower back stays pressed into the ground. If you feel any strain in your neck or shoulders, adjust the angle of your legs so that they are slightly lower and easier to hold in place.
You can do this exercise as part of a warm-up routine or add it to your regular ab workout. Start off with 10-15 repetitions and increase the reps as you get stronger. Adding Pilates Scissor to your regular routine is a great way to work on strengthening your core and sculpting your abs!
3) Reverse Crunch
The reverse crunch is an effective exercise for targeting your abdominal muscles. This exercise is an isolation exercise, meaning it targets only the ab muscles. It is also great for strengthening your core and improving balance.
To perform the reverse crunch, start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands at your sides and slightly lift your buttocks off the ground. Using your lower abdominals, curl your hips up and in towards your chest, pulling your knees toward your head. Reverse the motion by slowly lowering your hips and legs back to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
The reverse crunch is a great exercise for strengthening your abdominal muscles and improving balance. To make the exercise more challenging, try adding ankle weights or holding a weighted ball between your legs as you perform the crunch. Make sure to maintain a slow and controlled motion throughout each repetition.
4) Lying Leg Raise
The lying leg raise is one of the most effective abs exercises out there. It targets your lower abdominals and will help you build strength and tone in the area. To do this exercise, lay flat on the ground with your legs straight and arms by your sides. Raise both legs until they form a 90-degree angle with your torso and hold for a few seconds. Slowly lower them back down to the starting position. Repeat this motion 10-15 times.
This exercise works great when you pair it with a good diet and cardio routine, as it will help you achieve visible abs faster. It’s also an easy move to do at home without any equipment. So if you’re looking to tone your abs without having to go to the gym, this is a great option.
5) Pilates Roll Up
The Pilates Roll Up is an excellent exercise for targeting the core and strengthening the abdominal muscles. This move requires full body control, which helps to build a strong and stable core.
To do the Pilates Roll Up, start by lying on your back with your legs extended straight in front of you and your arms extended overhead. Inhale deeply, then as you exhale, engage your core and roll up one vertebrae at a time until you are sitting upright. Lift your arms up towards the ceiling and curl your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor. Keep your spine curved throughout the entire exercise and make sure your abdominals are pulled in tight.
Once you have reached your full range of motion, lower your arms back down to the floor, curling your head, neck and shoulders back down to the ground. Take your time as you roll back down, one vertebrae at a time. Once you have reached the starting position, repeat this sequence again for 8-12 reps.
The Pilates Roll Up can be a great addition to any core workout routine as it strengthens the abdominals and stabilizes the entire body. It also helps to improve balance, posture and flexibility. Give this exercise a try and see how it can help strengthen your core!