The 8 Best Ab Exercises

A strong core is essential for overall fitness, balance, and physical performance. It's not just about getting that six-pack look, but also about improving your posture, reducing back pain, and enhancing your athletic performance. Here are eight of the best ab exercises you can do at home, no gym equipment required.

1. Plank

The plank is a simple but effective bodyweight exercise that works your entire core.

How to do it:

• Start in a push-up position, but rest your weight on your forearms instead of your hands.
• Your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles.
• Engage your core by sucking your belly button into your spine.
• Hold this position for as long as you can.

2. Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are great for targeting the rectus abdominis and the obliques.

How to do it:

• Lie flat on your back.
• Place your hands behind your head, but don't pull on your neck.
• Lift your knees to a 45-degree angle.
• Perform a bicycle pedal motion, bringing one knee up towards your armpit while straightening the other leg.
• Rotate your torso so you can touch your elbow to the opposite knee as it comes up.

3. Russian Twists

This exercise targets the obliques, but also works the entire core.

How to do it:

• Sit on the ground with your knees bent, pull your abs to your spine, and lean back a few inches while keeping your back straight.
• Hold your hands in front of you and begin the exercise by twisting your torso to the right, then to the left to complete one rep.

4. Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers are a full-body workout, but they're particularly effective for the core.

How to do it:

• Start in a high plank position.
• Bring your right knee under your chest with the toes just off the ground.
• Return to your basic plank.
• Switch legs, bringing the left knee forward.
• Keep switching legs and begin to pick up the pace until it feels a little like running in place in a plank position.

5. Leg Raises

Leg raises are great for your lower abs, which are often hard to target.

How to do it:

• Lie on your back, legs straight and together.
• Keep your legs straight and lift them all the way up to the ceiling until your butt comes off the floor.
• Slowly lower your legs back down till they're just above the floor. Hold for a moment.
• Raise your legs back up.

6. Reverse Crunch

The reverse crunch targets the transverse abdominis and the obliques.

How to do it:

• Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides.
• Cross your feet and lift your legs so your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
• Contract your abs and lift your hips off the floor in a very small movement.
• Lower your hips to return to the starting position.

7. Dead Bug

The dead bug exercise targets the transverse abdominis, helping to improve stability and reduce the risk of injury.

How to do it:

• Lie on your back with your arms extended in front of you towards the ceiling.
• Bring your legs up so your knees are bent at 90-degree angles.
• Slowly lower your right arm and left leg at the same time until they're just above the floor.
• Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg.

8. Bird Dog

The bird dog is a simple core exercise that improves stability, encourages a neutral spine, and relieves low back pain.

How to do it:

• Start on all fours, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
• Extend your right arm out in front of you and your left leg behind you.
• Keep your hips and shoulders square and your lower back neutral. Don't let your pelvis sag down or pop up.
• Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.


Remember, consistency is key when it comes to strengthening your core. Incorporate these exercises into your routine, and you'll start seeing improvements in your core strength and stability. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.