5 easy ab workouts—no fancy gear needed!
What's the story
You don't need a fancy gym to tone your abs. Just a few basic tools can help you effectively target your core muscles for a toned midsection. In this article, we bring you five exercises with minimal equipment, perfect for home or travel. They target different abdominal muscles for a complete workout.
Core stability
Plank variations
Planks are an amazing exercise to build core strength and stability. Start with the basic forearm plank, making sure your body is in a straight line from head to heels. For added difficulty, try side planks or add movement by lifting each leg alternatively while maintaining form. These variations target different muscle groups in the core, giving you a well-rounded workout without any equipment, but an exercise mat.
Oblique engagement
Russian twists
Russian twists work wonders for your oblique muscles on the sides of your abdomen. Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet flat on the ground, slightly leaning back but keeping your back straight. Hold a weight/medicine ball if you have one handy, and twist your torso side to side in controlled motions. This exercise improves rotational strength and helps define the waistline.
Dynamic movement
Bicycle crunches
Bicycle crunches nicely mix cardio with core strengthening by mimicking pedaling motions while lying on your back. Simply place hands behind your head and bring opposite elbow towards knee as you extend out the other leg in a cycling motion. This dynamic movement works out both your upper and lower abs at the same time, promoting muscle endurance over time.
Lower ab focus
Leg raises
Leg raises are another great exercise to target those troublesome lower abs, which are tough to isolate otherwise. You don't need much equipment here either, just an exercise mat! Lie flat on back, place hands under glutes for support and lift legs together until perpendicular. Lower again slowly without touching ground between reps. This keeps constant tension throughout the set duration, making it more effective overall.
Cardio core combo
Mountain climbers
Mountain climbers combine cardiovascular and strengthening benefits in a fast-paced exercise. Starting in a plank, alternate driving knees toward the chest. This elevates the heart rate and activates shoulders, arms, hips, thighs, and calves. It's an efficient toning exercise that fits into any schedule, offering flexibility and adaptability for today's busy lifestyles.