Want to know what body part is universally admired? You might be surprised to find that it’s the abs.
Abs are often equated to peak fitness, and just speaking to many gym-goers, you’ll find that a ripped abdomen with a prominent six-pack is included in many goals. But while coveted, the journey to getting those abs is a long and arduous one. It can be frustrating to watch for the slow signs of improvement when working for those rock-hard abs.
Whether you want to begin to exercise or are a seasoned fitness enthusiast, if you want to get the abs, you’ll need to tailor your workouts for maximum impact.
Here are the absolute best abs exercises you can do to get that ripped look you’ve been wanting for summer.
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Reverse Crunches
Start by lying on the floor with your legs straight in front of you and cup your ears. Next, twist your knees and lift your feet. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor, making a 90-degree angle. Bend your knees into your chest and lift your hips off the floor (top). Lower your legs back to the starting position. Repeat this sequence for 45 seconds.
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Lying Leg Raises
Lie on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you. Place your arms at your sides. Keeping your legs straight and your feet together , raise your legs until they make a 45-degree angle with the floor. Lower your legs to the starting position. Repeat this sequence for 45 seconds.
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Ankle Touches
Lie on your back with your feet straight in front of you. Extend your legs straight up, making a 90-degree angle with the floor. Extend your hands toward your feet, and then lift your head and chest off the floor to touch your ankles while maintaining straight arms and legs. Repeat this sequence for 45 seconds.
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Swiss-Ball Curlup
Lie down with your back on the medicine ball. Allow your head and neck to be supported by the ball. Cross your hands over your chest and keep your knees bent. Slowly, using your core, come into a crunch position. Repeat this sequence for 45 seconds.
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Twisting Medicine-Ball Toss
You’re going to need a partner. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat while your partner stands a couple of feet in front of you, and off to one side. Your partner will toss the ball to your right side, forcing you to twist to catch it. Twist to your left, touch the ball to the floor, and then twist back to throw the ball over your head and back to your partner. Have your partner switch sides after each set.
V Raise
Start on your back with your knees bent to 90 degrees, feet raised so your thighs are parallel to the floor. Slowly raise your legs so they are now at a 45-degree angle. At the same time, raise your chest so your entire core forms a V-shape. Your arms should be straight out in front to start, but then you’ll slowly raise them over your head. Lower your arms so they’re straight out in front again. Repeat.
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Hanging Reverse Trunk Twist
Grab a pull up bar so you are hanging with your hands shoulder distance apart. Start with your legs slightly bent and then raise your legs until your thighs are parallel to the floor. From there, tilt your pelvis and raise yours legs as high as you can, aiming for chest level. Bring your legs back down to center and then twist your core so your legs end up at the 1 o’clock position and then the 11 o’clock position. Go back to the center position and repeat.
V Raise/Knee Tuck
Lie face-up on the floor with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, and keep your feet raised so that your legs are parallel with the floor. Gradually raise your legs until they’re at a 45-degree angle from the floor while lifting your chest so your core is at 45-degrees. Reach your arms straight out in front of you. Hold this position, gradually pulling your left knee to your chest before stretching it back out. Repeat this movement with the right leg. Continue switching legs.
Watch Your Form: Take it slow. Imagine that each foot is pushing against something solid.
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Hand-To-Hand Staggered Hip-Hinge
Hold a dumbbell in your right hand with your left foot forward.
- Bend your hips and pass the weight to your left hand.
- Straighten and pass the weight to your right hand.
The alternating pattern forces your core into action.
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Modified Handstand Shoulder Tap
Move to a bench (or your sofa). This exercise will hone your core while building extra muscle for your V-shape.
- In a plank position, as shown, slowly raise your hand to touch your left shoulder.
- Now, touch your right.
I hope you found these tips very helpful and can implement them into your next ab workout routine for the ripped summer body you’ve been working toward!
