When it comes to toning your abs, it’s crucial to have a variety of exercises in your fitness routine. Engaging different muscles in different ways will help you achieve a stronger, firmer core.
Here are 10 unique exercises that will target your abs and give you the results you desire.
1. Plank Jumps
Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Jump both feet forward towards your hands, then jump back to the initial plank position.
Repeat this movement for one minute, engaging your abs and keeping your core tight throughout the exercise.
2. Russian Twists with Medicine Ball
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet lifted off the ground. Hold a medicine ball with both hands and lean back slightly. Twist your torso to one side, bringing the ball to touch the floor, then twist to the other side.
Repeat this movement for one minute, focusing on engaging your abs to rotate your torso.
3. Bicycle Crunches
Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head and knees bent. Lift your shoulders off the ground and bring your left elbow towards your right knee as you extend the left leg. Repeat on the other side, mimicking a cycling motion.
Continue alternating sides for one minute, focusing on twisting your torso and engaging your abs.
4. Side Plank with Hip Dips
Begin in a side plank position with your forearm on the ground and your feet stacked on top of each other. Lower your hip towards the ground and then lift it back up, engaging your oblique muscles.
Repeat this movement for 30 seconds on each side, keeping your core tight and maintaining proper alignment.
5. Mountain Climbers
Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Bring one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs, mimicking a running motion.
Continue this movement for one minute, focusing on engaging your abs and keeping your core stable throughout.
6. Flutter Kicks
Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and arms by your sides. Lift both legs off the ground a few inches and kick them up and down alternately in a quick and controlled motion.
Continue this movement for one minute, keeping your lower back pressed into the ground and engaging your abs.
7. Reverse Crunches
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet lifted off the ground. Place your hands on the floor beside you for support. Bring your knees towards your chest and lift your hips off the ground, focusing on contracting your lower abs.
Lower your hips back down and repeat this movement for one minute.
8. V-Ups
Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and arms stretched overhead. Simultaneously lift your legs and upper body off the ground, reaching your hands towards your toes.
Lower back down and repeat this movement for one minute, engaging your abs to lift your body off the ground.
9. Plank with Alternating Leg Lifts
Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Lift one leg off the ground and hold it in the air for a few seconds, then lower it back down and repeat with the opposite leg.
Continue alternating leg lifts for one minute, focusing on maintaining a strong and stable core.
10. Standing Side Crunches
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and clasp your hands behind your head. Bend your torso to one side, bringing your elbow towards your hip, then return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
Perform this movement for one minute, engaging your oblique muscles and maintaining a controlled motion.