Best Core and Ab Exercises at the Gym
A strong core stabilizes every lift you do and builds visible abs when paired with the right diet. These core exercises cover crunches, leg raises, planks and twists for a stronger midsection.
Sit-ups
Bodyweight
Crunch (on bench)
Bodyweight (bench)
Side Bridge - Side Plank
Bodyweight
Hanging Leg Hip Raise
Bodyweight (pull-up bar)
Lying Floor Leg Raise
Bodyweight
V-up
Bodyweight
Twisting Crunch
Bodyweight
Dumbbell Side Bend
Dumbbell
Cable Standing Crunch
Cable machine
Bent Knee Lying Twist
Bodyweight
Band Twist
Resistance band
Vertical Leg Raise (on parallel bars)
Bodyweight (parallel bars/captain's chair)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I train core?
Most people can train core 2-4 times a week since it recovers relatively quickly compared to larger muscle groups.
Do ab exercises burn belly fat?
No single exercise spot-reduces fat — visible abs come from overall body fat percentage. Core exercises build the muscle underneath that shows once fat is low enough.
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