Ab exercises

Also called Rectus abdominis

Ab exercises that train your core to brace and move, from planks and dead bugs to knee raises, with step-by-step form tips.

4 exercises that target this muscle

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Abs

Showing 14 of 14 exercises

PlankA plank is a bodyweight hold that trains your abs and deeper core muscles to keep your body straight, with your shoulders and glutes working too.No equipmentBeginner
Dead BugA dead bug is a floor exercise where you lower opposite arms and legs while keeping your lower back still, training your abs to brace while your limbs move.No equipmentBeginner
CrunchA crunch curls your shoulders off the floor to work the rectus abdominis, the long muscle down the front of your stomach.No equipmentBeginner
Hanging Knee RaiseA hanging knee raise lifts your knees towards your chest while hanging from a bar, working your abs and hip muscles and building grip at the same time.Pull-up barIntermediate

Other exercises that also work this muscle

What do the abs do?

The rectus abdominis runs down the front of the stomach. It bends the trunk forward and, just as importantly, stops it bending backwards when you brace. Deeper muscles, like the transversus abdominis, wrap around the middle like a belt and hold the trunk steady.

How do you train your abs?

There are two ways to train them. Bracing exercises, like planks and dead bugs, train the abs to hold the trunk still while your arms and legs move. Flexion exercises, like crunches and knee raises, train them to curl the trunk. A mix of both covers what the abs do day to day.

Exercises for other muscles

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