For many of us, a new year means new fitness goals. In addition to ditching unhealthy foods to shed some pounds, you may also be implementing a rigorous workout routine to reach the body of your dreams. And for those who are after toned abs, it’s easy to fall into a rut of crunches and sit-ups. But if you’re sick of the same old ab routine, we’ve got good news: there are plenty of other exercises that can be even better than your go-to crunches.
We checked in with certified personal trainer Andrew White from GarageGymPro to shed some light on a few of the best options out there. “When it comes to toning your stomach, it’s important to diversify your exercises beyond crunches to effectively target all areas of your core,” he says. He told us that planks, Russian twist, leg raises, bicycle crunches, and mountain climbers are 5 fantastic exercises to add to your ab routine. Find instructions for each below.
1. Planks
You may dread them, but let’s face it: they’re highly effective. Any fitness expert will praise the power of a good old plank. “Planks engage the entire core, including the deep abdominal muscles, improving posture and stability,” White says. So fight through the burn and hold that plank—it will be worth it in the end!
White tells us how it’s done:
1. Start in a push-up position but rest on your forearms instead of your hands.
2. Keep your body in a straight line from shoulders to ankles, engaging your core.
3. Hold this position for as long as you can maintain good form.
2. Russian Twists
If you’re bored of crunches, it might be time to kick things up a notch with some Russian twists. “This exercise targets the obliques and helps develop rotational strength, contributing to a toned and defined midsection,” White explains.
Luckily, just like crunches, you can do this exercise from anywhere, as long as you have a weight or a medicine ball. Here’s how:
1. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, lean back slightly, and lift your feet off the ground.
2. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso to the right, then to the left to complete one rep.
3. Perform 10-15 reps.
3. Leg Raises
Leg raises are another fantastic choice to add to your fitness routine if you’re working towards a flatter belly and toned abs. This is an especially optimal exercise when compared to crunches, because, as White notes, “Leg raises primarily work the lower abdominals, an area often neglected by traditional crunches.” And those lower abs are important! Find his instructions below.
1. Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and hands under your hips for support.
2. Slowly lift your legs to a 90-degree angle, then lower them back down without touching the floor.
3. Perform 10-15 reps.
4. Bicycle Crunches
Okay, so this one does technically have “crunches” in the name, but it’s a special variation that can take you so much closer to your fitness goals by ensuring you work all parts of your abdominals. “Bicycle crunches provide a comprehensive abdominal workout, targeting the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques,” White explains.
He provided instructions:
1. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and legs raised and bent at 90 degrees.
2. Bring your right elbow to your left knee, then your left elbow to your right knee, in a cycling motion.
3. Perform 15-20 reps on each side.
5. Mountain Climbers
This one can really get your heart pumping, but the results are well worth it when you make mountain climbers a regular part of your workout routine. They’re especially good for aiding weight loss so that you can blast fat while toning your abs. “Mountain climbers are a great cardio move that also intensely targets the core, increasing heart rate and burning calories while strengthening abdominal muscles,” White raves.
Here’s how you can do ’em at home:
1. Start in a plank position with your hands under your shoulders.
2. Bring your right knee towards your chest, then quickly switch and bring your left knee towards your chest, running in place against the floor.
3. Perform for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
The bottom line
Those abs aren’t going to tone themselves! As you work towards your fitness goals this year, consider following White’s advice by incorporating these exercises into your workout routine. “These exercises offer a comprehensive approach to toning your stomach, targeting different areas of your abs for a full workout,” he says. “Remember, consistency and proper form are key, and pairing your workouts with a balanced diet and sufficient hydration will enhance your results. Always listen to your body and modify exercises as needed to suit your fitness level.” Got it!
READ MORE: 4 Mat-Based Pilates Exercises Trainers Say Tone Your Core Faster Than Crunches
