4 Workouts - Get Ripped Abs

You may put in over an hour each day at the gym, but how effective is it when it comes to building the body you want?

A chiselled six-pack look for the abs is every man’s dream. Crunches are not the only exercises that help you tone your abs. For a strong core, you need to work the several muscles between your hips and shoulders, following routines which stabilize and rotate the core. 

Best Ab Exercises

Which is the best ab exercise for you? Read on to understand some of the best exercise routines for your abs.


1. Two Point Plank

It is a highly functional exercise that strengthens your entire core while sculpting your abs in the process. For this exercise, put your body in a straight line in a push position, and raise the opposite hand and leg to form a straight line. Hold for two counts. Return to plank position and repeat with the other hand and leg. This one is ideal for 10-20 reps.

2. Reverse Curl and Lift

This is one of the most challenging exercises for your abs. You need to lie on your back with hands behind your head. Your legs should be extended out with your toes pointed and heels about six inches from the ground. 

With your hip slightly off the floor, bend and draw your knees towards your chest contracting your abs. Now, slowly go back to original position and repeat for 8 sets.

3. Cross Leg Reverse Crunch

This exercise engages several muscles in the body without putting any strain on your neck. Lie down with your knees bent, and feet placed flat on the ground and arms overhead holding on to a heavy support. Cross one ankle on top of the other knee, and lift your legs pulling them close to your chest as you exhale, as your hip moves off the ground. 

Inhale slowly as you return to your original position. Repeat 15 times.

4. Swimming Plank

This is a tough and a unique variation of planking that challenges your abs and back. Place a dumbbell upright on the floor in front of you as you lay on your stomach with your elbows supporting your upper body. 

Lift your body into a full elbow plank putting your body in a straight line and drawing in your abdominal area. In a freestyle stroke-like movement reach over to the dumbbell rotating your hips and turning through the balls of your feet.  

Finish the full stroke and return to the elbow plank position. Repeat with the other arm and do 10 reps.

However, abs are not just for show! Strengthening the core and working on your centre of balance is important. There are many benefits to having a strong core, for example, it can help reduce back pain. If good looking abs is your target, you shouldn’t be afraid of some hard work. Try these Ab Exercises and get the ripped abs you have always wanted!