10 Effective Ab Exercises to Target All Your Abdominal Muscles

V-Ups

V-ups are one of the best ab workouts because they also develop incredible balance. To perform a V-up, lie flat on the floor with your arms extended behind your head. Keep your feet together and toes pointed. Lift your straight legs and upper body simultaneously, reaching for your toes with your hands. Slowly lower back down to the starting position.

Side Plank Dips

Side plank dips are great for developing core strength and targeting your side abs. Begin by lying on your right side with your forearm below your shoulder and your body lifted. Keep your legs long, feet stacked, and left hand on your hip. Dip your hips down towards the mat and lift back up using your obliques and core muscles.

Side Plank Reach Through

The side plank reach-through is an effective ab and oblique combination movement. Start in a full side plank position with your right hand below your shoulder, left arm reaching high above your left shoulder, and legs extended. Tighten your abdominals and slowly scoop your left arm under your body, following with your eyes. Slowly reach the left hand back to the starting position. Repeat and switch sides.

Forearm Plank

The plank is a classic ab exercise that targets the entire core. Begin by lying on the floor with your forearms flat on the floor, elbows aligned directly under your shoulders. Engage your core and lift your body up off the floor, maintaining a straight line from head to feet. Hold for the desired duration.

Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are great for building coordination and a strong core. Start by lying on your back with your feet off the floor in a tabletop position. Place your hands behind your head and flex your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat. Bring one knee in and reach the opposite elbow towards it in a crisscross motion, working the obliques. Repeat on the other side.

Sweeping Scissors

Sweeping scissors provide a challenge for your abs. Begin by lying on the mat with your arms over your head and legs extended. Sweep your arms out to the sides and bring your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat. Lift one leg up and in towards your chest, reaching your arms forward on the sides of the leg. Roll back to the mat and repeat on the other side.

Side To Side Obliques

Side-to-side oblique exercises are effective for targeting the obliques. Lie on the mat with your knees in toward your chest, forming a tabletop position. Bring your head, neck, and shoulders off the mat and reach your arms long at the sides. Exhale as you reach your right fingers to the right side in a forward motion, then return to center on the inhale. Exhale and reach left fingers to the left side in the same motion. Switch side to side without lowering onto the mat.

Bend Extend Ab Tuck

The bend extend ab tuck is a fun variation of traditional ab workouts. Start seated on the mat with your arms behind you and hands on the mat, fingers facing your backside. Sit back on your hands and lift your feet off the mat, knees bent. Keep your abs tight and press your legs out long while slightly lowering your back. Push yourself back up and pull your knees in to return to the starting position.

Spiderman Abs

Spiderman abs is a challenging move that targets the lower abs. Start in a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and legs long behind you. Tighten your abdominals and glutes, then pull your left knee toward the outside of your left elbow. Hold for one count and return to the starting position. Repeat on the right side.

Forearm Star Plank

The forearm star plank is a variation of the plank that targets the core and lower abs. Begin lying on your right side with your forearm on the floor, body lifted, and legs extended. Tighten your abdominals and lift your left leg and arm up in the air. Hold for the desired amount of time and switch sides.

Source: Tired of Crunches? Tone Your Abs With These 10 Moves Instead