8 Ab Exercises and Workouts to Build a Strong Core

Plank

Planks strengthen your core by engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. Hold a plank position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, maintaining a straight line from head to heels, for 4 sets.

Mountain Climbers

Mountain climbers add dynamic movement to core stability training. Perform 3 to 4 sets of 30-second reps, driving knees towards chest while keeping hips level in a high plank position.

Hollow Hold

Hollow holds are efficient for building core strength and improving posture. Lie on your back, extend arms and legs, and lift shoulders and feet off the floor, holding for 45 seconds to 1 minute, repeating for 3 to 4 rounds.

Side Plank

Side planks target obliques to enhance core stability. Lie on one side, prop up your upper body on forearm, and raise hips to form a straight line, holding for 40 seconds, and repeat for 3 rounds.

Bird Dog

Bird dogs improve balance and core stability. From a four-point stance, extend opposite arm and leg straight, maintaining a neutral spine, and perform 3 to 4 sets of 8 reps on each side.

Half-Kneeling Kettlebell Windmill

Kettlebell windmills strengthen core, shoulders, and hips with rotational movement. Perform 3 sets of 6 to 8 reps, maintaining a straight line from hand to kettlebell overhead, and rotate chest open as you lower down.

Ab Wheel Rollout

Ab wheel rollouts train core stability and shoulder mobility. With a wide stance, roll out as far as possible while keeping back rounded, then return to starting position, aiming for 3 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

Ball Slam

Ball slams engage the entire body while targeting the core. Lift a ball overhead, slam it down explosively, and repeat for 4 rounds of 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off.