Hate crunches? Believe or not, there are literally dozens of ab exercises better than crunches. According to
science, the classic crunch is far less effective than most people think. This move only targets the superficial muscles in your core region. It has little or no impact on the transverse abdominis and obliques. Hanging leg raises, planks, seated leg lifts, and air bicycles work your abs to a greater extent, hitting the deeper muscles. Moreover, they improve your balance, stabilize the spine, and build core strength. Ready to give it a try? Check out the six best ab exercises other than crunches:
Plank Jack The plank jack is ideal for both cardio and strength training. This full body exercise targets your abs, quads, delts, and back muscles. In the long run, it relieves back pain and strengthens your core. Due to its intense nature, the plank jack revs up your metabolism, so you'll burn more calories at rest. It also boosts your endurance and overall fitness. Do it as a standalone exercise, or include it in your HIIT routine.
Hanging Leg Raise This
core exercise hits the lower abs as well as the obliques, lats, back, and hip flexors. It targets the entire abdominal region, shaping your core. If you exercise at home, try the lying straight leg raise. This movement requires no equipment and can be done anytime, anywhere.
Twisting Mountain Climbers This
variation of the mountain climber emphasizes your core muscles, especially the obliques. Moreover, it increases your heart rate and metabolism. Your legs will get an intense workout too! Unlike traditional mountain climbers, this exercise involves bringing your knee to the opposite elbow. Hold the contraction for a second or two. Keep your abs squeezed throughout the movement.
Renegade Row The
renegade row works your abs, arms, back, and shoulders. When done right, it shapes your core and increases overall strength. It's also a great way to boost your functional fitness and tone your arms. All you need is a light dumbbell or a water bottle.
Spiderman Crawl This
full body movement improves core strength, increases hip mobility, and boosts functional fitness. It also stretches your entire leg, from the calves to quads, hamstrings, and hips. Due to its challenging nature, it gets your heart through the roof and torches fat. To reap the benefits, do this exercise on ab training day or as part of your stretching routine. Complete three to five sets of up to 10 crawls each.
Torso Twist The
torso twist is one of the few exercise targeting the obliques. It can be done at the torso rotation machine, or with your own bodyweight. If you work out at home, hold an exercise ball or a dumbbell in your hands. Use your core muscles to control the movement. This exercise should be done with a slow, controlled motion. If performed too quickly, it may cause back injuries. The torso rotation machine is safer but less effective. Depending on your needs and schedule, train your abs once or twice a week. Beware that your core muscles get a challenging workout every time you hit the gym. For instance, leg exercises, such as the squat and deadlift, engage your abs too. Working your abs every single day won’t lead to better results.
