Setting a New Year’s resolution to strengthen up that mid-section and maybe even see those abs again?
The Epic Fitness training team has put together a list of the top 5 abdominal exercises for having a good looking and functional core.
Bicycle Crunch
This classic movement has continued to come in #1 during scientific studies over the years for good reason– it combines several motions to tax the upper, lower, and sides of your stomach.
Hanging Leg Raise
The leg raise is a difficult, but extremely effective exercise. Start out with the “captain’s chair” version and progress to hanging from a pull-up bar for to see the best results.
Scissor Kick
The scissor kick is a great lower ab and hip-flexor movement that gained popularity in the military. Remember that proper form includes dorsiflexing the feet, keeping the knees straight, and shooting for a 90 degree angle with the legs.
Oblique V-Up
This movement is one of the most difficult abdominal exercises to learn, but take the time to learn it– your obliques will thank you later. The key to this exercise is keeping the knees straight and making contact between the elbow and knee with each repetition.
Windshield Wiper
This last movement will really hit those obliques and lower abs while increasing overall core stability and rotational strength. Begin with the easy version with your back flat on the ground and grabbing a bench or other solid object overhead. Once you’ve mastered this move you can progress to the hanging windshield wiper.