When it comes to strengthening your core, most people turn to classic exercises like crunches or sit-ups.

While these exercises have their place, there are actually plenty of lesser-known ab exercises that can challenge your core in new and effective ways. If you’re tired of the same old routine, it’s time to mix things up with these underrated ab exercises that will leave your core feeling stronger than ever.

1. Russian Twists

Russian twists are an excellent exercise for targeting the obliques, which are often overlooked during traditional ab workouts. To perform this exercise, sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet elevated.

Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight and core engaged. Hold a weight or medicine ball in front of you and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the floor on each side. This exercise will not only sculpt your obliques but also improve your rotational stability.

2. Hanging Knee Raises

If you have access to a pull-up bar, hanging knee raises are a must-try exercise for your abs. Grab the bar with an overhand grip, allowing your body to hang freely.

Engage your core and lift your knees up towards your chest, focusing on using your abdominal muscles to initiate the movement. Lower your legs back down with control and repeat. Hanging knee raises are a great way to challenge your entire core, including your lower abs.

3. Plank with Shoulder Tap

While planks are a well-known exercise, adding shoulder taps takes the challenge up a notch. Start in a high plank position with your arms fully extended and your body in a straight line.

Keeping your core stable, lift one hand off the ground and touch the opposite shoulder. Place your hand back down and repeat on the other side. This exercise not only engages your abs but also challenges your shoulder stability and coordination.

4. Dead Bug

Despite its strange name, the dead bug exercise is highly effective for strengthening your deep core muscles. Lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

Slowly lower one arm behind your head while straightening the opposite leg, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. The dead bug exercise improves core stability and control while also targeting the muscles responsible for spinal stability.

5. Standing Cable Wood Chop

The standing cable wood chop is a dynamic exercise that engages your entire core, including your obliques and transverse abdominis. Attach a cable pulley to a low setting and stand perpendicular to the machine.

Grab the handle with both hands and twist your torso away from the machine, pulling the cable across your body as you rotate. Keep your core tight and controlled throughout the movement. Repeat on both sides to work your core from all angles.

6. Bird Dog

The bird dog exercise is a great way to improve your core stability and balance. Start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.

Keeping your spine neutral, extend your right arm forward while simultaneously extending your left leg backward. Hold this position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. The bird dog exercise not only targets your abs but also engages your glutes and back muscles.

7. V-Ups

V-ups are a challenging exercise that targets your upper and lower abs, as well as your hip flexors. Lie on your back with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight.

Engage your core and lift your legs and upper body simultaneously, reaching towards your toes. Slowly lower back down with control and repeat. To make this exercise more challenging, you can place a stability ball between your feet and hands.

8. Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are a powerful exercise for targeting both your upper and lower abs, as well as your obliques. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent.

Lift your shoulders off the floor and bring your right elbow towards your left knee while straightening your right leg. Repeat on the other side, as if you’re pedaling a bicycle. Focus on twisting and contracting your abs with each repetition.

9. Swiss Ball Rollout

If you have access to a Swiss ball, the Swiss ball rollout is a fantastic exercise for hitting your entire core. Start in a kneeling position with your hands placed on the ball in front of you.

Slowly roll the ball forward, maintaining a straight line from your knees to your hands. Once you feel a stretch in your abs, engage your core and roll the ball back towards you. This exercise challenges your core muscles, particularly your deep abdominal muscles.

10. Lying Leg Raises

Lying leg raises are a simple yet effective exercise for targeting your lower abs. Lie on your back with your hands placed underneath your glutes for support. Keeping your legs straight, lift them off the ground until they are perpendicular to the floor.

Slowly lower your legs back down with control and repeat. To make this exercise more challenging, you can add ankle weights or a stability ball between your feet.