5 Effective Exercises to Target Your Abs Multiple Ways

The truth is, there are no magical ab exercises that will help you get a six pack. But there are several effective exercises you can do to target your abs effectively. The effectiveness of an exercise depends on the muscle group targeted and how challenging it is for your body. To target your abs effectively, look for exercises that involve a variety of motions, as well as different planes of motion. You should also choose movements that involve challenging your core in an unusual way. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has proven to be an effective way to reduce fat and tone your body at the same time. In order to increase the fat burning potential and make this routine even more challenging we have added some additional cardio bursts throughout the routine.

Jumping Lunges

Jumping lunges are an excellent way to build lower body power and strength, and they’ll also help to strengthen your core, which is crucial to a strong and healthy lower back. Lunges are also an effective way of incorporating more intensity into your workout, which will increase the amount of calories you burn while working out. How to do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and hold either a dumbbell or a kettlebell in each hand. Next, lunge forward with one leg so that your knee is bent at a 90-degree angle and your back knee is touching the floor. Jump up as high as you can, and then switch legs as you land back down. Repeat for 8-12 reps per leg.

Plank Tucks and Rolls

Planks are a great exercise for strengthening your core and building up strength in your abdominals. To take it to the next level, tuck your knees into your chest and then roll back and forth a few times, before bringing your knees back to your chest again. This variation is far more challenging than a standard plank, and will help you to build up strength in your core, as well as getting your heart rate up. How to do it: Begin by getting into plank position, with your forearms resting on the floor and your body in a straight line from head to toe. Next, tuck your knees into your chest, then roll your knees back toward your head and return them to your chest again. Repeat for 30 seconds.

Reverse Crunch with Leg Extension

The Reverse Crunch with Leg Extension is a challenging exercise that works your core and your legs. The extended leg will increase the intensity of the exercise and help to further challenge your abdominal muscles. How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent, and place your hands behind your head. Next, pull your knees toward your chest as far as you can, and then extend one leg straight out and bring your knee back to start position. You should feel your abdominal muscles contracting as you bring your knees toward your chest. Continue for 60 seconds and then switch legs.

Squat with a Twist

To target your upper and lower abs, you can do all kinds of crunches as well as a variation of a squat, where you twist your upper body to one side. This move will challenge your core in a variety of ways, helping you to strengthen your core. How to do it: Stand with your feet placed slightly wider than hip-width apart, and hold either a dumbbell or a kettlebell in each hand. Next, squat down, bending at the knees and keeping your spine straight. Once you get back up to standing position, twist your body to one side and then switch sides after bringing your arms back down to your side. Repeat for 60 seconds and then switch sides.

Single Leg Deadlift and Twist

Lifting weights while doing exercises like squats and lunges will help you to further challenge your muscles, especially your lower abdominals, obliques, and lower back. This single leg deadlift variation will help you to further challenge your core, as well as strengthening your muscles. How to do it: Stand with your feet placed slightly wider than hip-width apart, and hold either a dumbbell or a kettlebell in each hand. Next, bend at the knees and lift one foot off the floor, keeping your spine straight. Once you get back up to standing position, twist your body to one side and then switch sides after bringing your arms back down to your side. Repeat for 60 seconds and then switch sides.

Jumping Jacks

Jumping jacks are a great full-body cardio exercise that will help to strengthen your lower body, as well as challenging your core and upper body. How to do it: Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, and lift both hands above your head. Once you are in the jumping position, jump and clap your hands above your head, then bring your hands back down to your sides. Repeat for 60 seconds.

Summing Up

You don’t need to spend hours in the gym to get a great workout; 20 minutes of HIIT and some weight training can go a long way. By incorporating challenging exercises into your routine, you can target your abs effectively, while also strengthening your lower body. By including these exercises in your workout routine, you can expect to see results in approximately 4-6 weeks.