When it comes to building a strong and toned midsection, the options can quickly become overwhelming. With so many exercises and routines claiming to be the best, it can be difficult to know which ones will actually get you the results you want.

However, by focusing on a few tried and true exercises and principles, you can develop a plan of attack that will help you to tone and strengthen your abs and trunk like never before.

Principle #1: Proper Form

Before you hit the ground running with your abdominal workouts, it’s important to focus on proper form. Not only will this help you to avoid any injuries, but it will also ensure that you’re targeting the right muscles in your midsection.

When performing any abdominal or trunk exercise, make sure that your back is straight and your core is tight. Focus on contracting your abs and exhaling as you lift your upper body off the ground. By keeping these principles in mind, you’ll be able to consistently get the most out of your workouts.

Principle #2: Consistency and Persistence

Building a strong midsection is not something that happens overnight. It requires consistent effort and dedication over a prolonged period of time.

Make sure that you’re incorporating abdominal exercises into your regular workout routine and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. By staying committed to your workouts and being persistent in your efforts, you’ll eventually start to see the toned, strong abs and trunk that you’re looking for.

The Plank: Exercise #1

The plank is an excellent exercise for targeting your entire core, including your abs, obliques, and lower back. To perform the plank, start in a push-up position with your arms extended and your hands shoulder-width apart.

Lower yourself down so that your forearms are flat on the ground, supporting your body weight. From here, straighten your back and lift your hips off the ground, creating a straight line from your shoulders to your feet. Hold this position for 30-60 seconds, making sure to keep your core tight and your hips level. Repeat for 3-4 sets.

Exercise #2: Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are a great way to target your abs and obliques while also working your hip flexors and lower back. To perform bicycle crunches, lay on your back with your hands behind your head and your knees bent.

Lift your head and shoulders off the ground and bring your left knee towards your right elbow, while extending your right leg straight out. Switch legs, bringing your right knee towards your left elbow while extending your left leg straight out. Continue alternating legs in a pedaling motion for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

Exercise #3: Russian Twists

Russian twists are another effective exercise for toning your obliques and strengthening your core. To perform Russian twists, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Lean back slightly and engage your core, then lift your feet off the ground. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and rotate your torso to the right, bringing the weight towards the ground next to your hip. Rotate to the left and bring the weight towards the ground next to your left hip.

Continue rotating side to side for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

Dead Bug: Exercise #4

The dead bug is an excellent exercise for strengthening your entire core, including your lower abs, obliques, and lower back. To perform the dead bug, lay on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.

Keep your lower back pressed into the ground and slowly lower your left arm and right leg towards the floor, keeping them just a few inches off the ground. Bring them back up to the starting position and repeat on the other side, alternating for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

Exercise #5: Lying Leg Raises

Lying leg raises are a great way to target your lower abs and strengthen your core. To perform lying leg raises, lay on your back with your arms by your sides and your legs straight out.

Keep your lower back pressed into the ground and raise your legs straight up towards the ceiling, keeping them as straight as possible. Lower your legs back down towards the ground without letting them touch and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

Exercise #6: Side Plank

Side planks are an excellent way to target your obliques and strengthen your core from a different angle. To perform a side plank, start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together.

Shift your weight onto your left hand and the edge of your left foot, lifting your right arm towards the ceiling. Engage your core and hold this position for 30-60 seconds before switching sides. Repeat for 3-4 sets.

Bird Dog: Exercise #7

The bird dog is another great exercise for targeting your entire core, including your lower abs and stabilizing muscles.

To perform the bird dog, start on your hands and knees with your shoulders directly over your hands and your hips directly over your knees. Extend your left arm straight out in front of you and lift your right leg straight out behind you, keeping your hips level. Hold this position for a few seconds before bringing your arm and leg back down to the starting position.

Repeat on the other side, alternating for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

V-Ups: Exercise #8

V-ups are a challenging exercise that will target your entire core, including your upper and lower abs, obliques, and hip flexors. To perform V-ups, lay on the ground with your arms extended above your head and your legs straight out.

Lift your upper body and legs towards the ceiling, bending at the waist to form a V shape with your body. Lower back down to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.

Exercise #9: Seated Twist

The seated twist is a great exercise for targeting your obliques and strengthening your core. To perform the seated twist, sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your tailbone. Twist your torso to the right, bringing the weight towards the ground next to your hip. Twist to the left and bring the weight towards the ground next to your left hip. Continue twisting side to side for 10-15 repetitions on each side.

Exercise #10: Captain’s Chair Leg Raise

The Captain’s Chair Leg Raise is a classic exercise for targeting your lower abs and building core strength. To perform this exercise, find a captain’s chair or similar equipment that allows you to hang freely with your arms supported.

Engage your core and lift your legs straight up towards your chest, keeping them as straight as possible. Lower back down to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 repetitions.