Exercises by muscle

Ab exercises.

Flexion, anti-extension and stability: the exercises that train your abs best and how to combine them in a few minutes.

As the main muscle: 19
As a helper muscle: 8

Muscle map: ab muscles

Meet the muscles

The rectus abdominis bends your torso, as in a crunch, and above all stops your back arching under load. It's the "six-pack".

The transverse abdominis, deeper down, wraps your waist like a belt and stabilises your spine. Planks, dead bugs and ab wheel rollouts train it.

Abs
Deep Core

The best ab exercises

Ab workout

A 15-minute core block you can add to the end of any workout, 2-3 times a week.

Ab Wheel Rollout3 × 8-12
Hanging Leg Raise3 × 8-15
Cable Crunch3 × 10-15
Plank2 × 30-60 s

FAQ

Do ab exercises burn belly fat?

No. They strengthen your abs, but you can't spot-reduce fat: that depends on diet and overall activity.

How often should I train abs?

2-3 times a week with 3-4 exercises is enough, taken close to failure.

Crunches or planks?

Both: crunches train flexion and planks train stability. A strong core needs both.

Do I need ab work if I squat and deadlift?

Those lifts already train it as a stabiliser, but direct work helps build strength and size.

Train your abs with Nuvana.