Abs are a key component of core strength and play a crucial role in overall fitness, stability, and posture. Toning the abs not only enhances physical appearance but also supports better movement and reduces the risk of injury. Certain exercises can help tone the abs more quickly by targeting these muscles effectively.
We spoke with Andrew White, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the co-founder of garagegympro.com, and Vivian Yu, co-founder of One Body Personal Training & Gym Near Me, personal trainer and physical therapist, to learn about seven of the best exercises to do every day for toned abs. They revealed that planks, Russian twists, bicycle crunches, mountain climbers, leg raises, flutter kicks, and plank leg lifts are some of the best options.
1. Planks
Planks are a fundamental exercise renowned for their ability to strengthen the core muscles, making them a key component in achieving toned abs by summer. By engaging the rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, obliques, and even the muscles of the lower back and shoulders, planks provide a comprehensive workout for the entire midsection.
"Planks are a core stabilization exercise that engages all layers of the abdominal muscles, including the deep transverse abdominis. They help build endurance in both the abs and back, contributing to a stronger, more toned midsection," White says.
Proper Form: Start in a push-up position, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from head to heels. Engage your core muscles and hold this position, making sure to keep your hips in line with your shoulders and avoiding sagging or lifting your hips too high.
He notes to start by aiming to maintain the plank position for 20-30 seconds in the beginning, and gradually extend the duration as your strength improves. Complete 3-4 sets of planks, with rest periods of 30-60 seconds between each set. This gradual progression and structured approach will help you build endurance and strength in your core muscles effectively.
2. Russian Twists
By twisting from side to side while holding a stable position, Russian twists engage the abdominal muscles in a rotational motion, promoting muscle definition and strengthening the core's stability.
White says, "This exercise targets the obliques, helping to sculpt and define the sides of the abdomen. By adding a weight or medicine ball, you increase the resistance, further engaging your core muscles for improved tone."
Proper Form: Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the floor, balancing on your sit bones. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to one side, touching the weight to the floor beside you. Twist to the other side and repeat.
A tip he gives is to "aim for 10-15 reps on each side, completing 2-3 sets. Focus on controlled movements and engaging your core throughout."
3. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches offer a dynamic and effective way to target and tone your abdominal muscles, making them a valuable addition to your fitness routine. This exercise engages not only the rectus abdominis but also the obliques and deeper core muscles.
"Bicycle crunches are excellent for activating the rectus abdominis and obliques. The twisting motion helps in toning the sides, while the pedaling action engages the deeper abs muscles," White reveals.
Proper Form: Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head and your legs lifted, knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Bring one knee towards your chest while simultaneously twisting your torso to bring the opposite elbow towards the knee. Alternate sides in a pedaling motion, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor.
White advises to "Aim for 12-15 reps on each side, completing 3-4 sets. Focus on quality over quantity, ensuring full range of motion and proper form with each rep."
4. Mountain Climbers
This high-intensity movement engages multiple muscle groups, including the core, shoulders, arms, and legs, making it a full-body workout.
White elaborates further and says, "Mountain climbers are a dynamic, high-intensity workout that not only strengthens the entire core but also boosts your metabolism, aiding in fat loss which is essential for revealing toned abs."
Proper Form: Start in a high plank position, with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your body forming a straight line from head to heels. Drive one knee towards your chest, then quickly switch legs, alternating legs in a running motion while keeping your core engaged and your hips stable.
He adds to incorporate mountain climbers into your circuit training routine by performing them for 30-60 seconds, alternating with other exercises. Aim to complete 3-4 rounds of the circuit, taking 30-60 seconds of rest between each round.
5. Leg Raises
This movement challenges the core's strength and stability, helping to build muscle definition and improve overall tone. Additionally, leg raises engage the hip flexors, further enhancing the workout's effectiveness.
"Leg raises specifically target the lower abdominals, a region often difficult to tone. They help in tightening and firming the lower part of the stomach, contributing to a well-defined abdominal area," he shares.
Proper Form: Lie flat on your back with your hands by your sides or under your glutes for support. Keep your legs straight and lift them towards the ceiling until your hips are fully flexed, then lower them back down slowly without letting them touch the ground.
A tip White tells us is to "aim for 10-12 reps, completing 3-4 sets. Focus on controlled movements and engaging your lower abs throughout."
6. Flutter Kicks
Flutter kicks are a great exercise for sculpting toned abs in time for summer. By lying flat on your back and alternately kicking your legs up and down in a controlled manner, flutter kicks target the lower abdominal muscles and hip flexors.
"Flutter kicks are a simple yet effective exercise for engaging the lower abdominals and hip flexors. Performing this exercise consistently will help in reducing lower belly fat and toning the abs," he states.
Proper Form: Lie flat on your back with your hands by your sides or under your glutes for support. Lift your legs off the ground a few inches and alternate kicking them up and down in a fluttering motion while keeping your core engaged and your lower back pressed into the floor.
Incorporate flutter kicks into your workout routine by performing them for 20-30 seconds as part of a circuit, or complete 2-3 sets of 12-15 repetitions. Maintain a steady pace and consistent breathing rhythm throughout the exercise to maximize its effectiveness.
7. Plank Leg Lifts
Plank leg lifts not only strengthen the core muscles responsible for maintaining posture but also firms and tones the glutes.
Yu elaborates further on the benefits of this 2-in-1 exercise when it comes to your abs and glutes. "Starting in a plank position, this exercise requires lifting one leg at a time. This engages the glutes and demands stability from the abdominal muscles, making it a fantastic 2-in-1 exercise. This exercise is a powerhouse for core stability. The plank position itself is excellent for the abs, and adding leg lifts increases the challenge, requiring more strength from both the glutes and the core muscles. This combination is excellent for building a strong, toned physique."
Yu breaks down how to perform this workout properly: Start in a forearm plank position, ensuring your body forms a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core and lift one leg up, keeping it straight, then lower it back down. Alternate legs. Keeping your hips steady and avoiding sagging or picking up is important.
Incorporating these exercises into a workout routine contributes to improved core strength, enhanced balance, and a sculpted appearance in both the abdominal and gluteal regions. Lastly, Yu concludes with a final tip by saying that it's crucial to "emphasize the importance of correct form to maximize benefits and prevent injury."
