Best Exercises for Abs (General)

Your abdominal muscles (abs for short) are part of your core muscles that help to hold you up and keep you doing everyday activities. They stabilize your pelvis and your spine. They help to stabilize your body when you twist and bend forward or from side to side. You use core muscles, including abs, in almost everything you do. 

Strengthening your abs helps you build strength in other areas of your body, and helps you to maintain proper form when doing full-body movements like push-ups. Doing so will also help you to have better balance, good posture, and do all the hobbies you love while avoiding injury.

Exercises to Help Abs

There are many different ab exercises that can help you get into shape. Here are the six best ab exercises to sculpt and tone while you workout at home.

1. Plank

Step 1: Place your hands on the floor, directly underneath your shoulders.

Step 2: Extend your legs behind you, about hip-width distance.

Step 3: Engage your core, including your butt, and tuck your tailbone.

Step 4: Hold for a set amount of time or as long as you can.

2. Crunch

Step 1: Lie on your back on the floor or on an exercise mat.

Step 2: Place your hands behind your head. Squeeze your shoulder blades together. 

Step 3: As you exhale, activate your abdominal muscles and tilt your chin slightly toward your chest. 

Step 4: Continue activating until your torso curls toward your thighs. Your shoulders should lift up but your tailbone and lower back should remain on the mat.

Step 5: As you inhale, lower back down slowly to the floor or mat. 

3. Leg Lift

Step 1: Lie on your back on the floor or an exercise mat with your legs extended out. Keep your back flat on the surface at all times.

Step 2: Lift your legs up toward your face, hinging at the hips. 

Step 3: Stop when they are at a 90-degree angle.

Step 4: Keeping your legs together, lower them slowly to the floor. Keep your back flat on the surface.