Ab Workouts

Here is the thing about abs. You can do 100 sit-ups everyday for months and see no results. Why? Because your abs hate you. Just kidding! But there is an answer. This is because of multiple reasons, but here are three reasons that I have noticed throughout my own fitness journey.

  1. The biggest culprit is your diet. If you fuel your body with the right balance of fruits, vegetables, carbs, and protein, then your body will gain muscle where you are working it.

  2. The next culprit is variation. If you are working the same section of your abs every single time you do an ab workout, then it is impossible for your abs to have the full workout it needs. Your abs need more than sit-ups and bicycles. 

  3. And lastly, work on your abs during every workout. No, this does not mean to do an ab workout every single time you hit the gym. As a matter of fact, focusing on your abs once or twice a week is more than enough. This means during a leg, arm, or cardio day, make sure you are keeping your abs tight. 

I train abs because they are a great workout. I love trying new ab workouts and incorporating them into a full body session. But guess what people? I totally, 1000%, do not have chiseled abs. Honestly, I think they are unnecessary and are misconceived in our fitness culture today. You don't need hard core abs to prove you are fit or in shape. I would trade any dinner date, concert, or a night out dancing, over 6 weird rectangles on my stomach. But, this does not mean I don’t train abs. I will throw an ab workout in after a spin class, after a 20 minute cardio warmup, post yoga, during a HIIT, or in a full body strength session. MY only suggestion is to never do an ab workout without any sort of warm up in advance, even if it is just stretching, it is so important to move your body before performing any sort of strength exercise. This will prevent injury and also improve your workout.

Here are 3 ab workouts that I standby!

AB Workout #1

 Circuit 1: 3 Rounds

  • 15 V-Ups

  • 20 Knees Raised Crunch

  • 30 Russian Twists (med ball optional)

  • 20 Mountain Climbers

  • 20 Plank Drops

*:30 break or cardio in between rounds*

Circuit 2: 3 Rounds

  • 20 Standing Crunches

  • 10 Good Mornings

  • 10 Dumbbell Drops (on both arms)

*:30 break or cardio in between rounds*


AB Workout #2

Circuit 1: 3 Rounds on Mat

  • 10 Sit-Ups

  • 40 Turtles

  • 15 Big Littles

  • 40 Russian Twists (med ball optional)

Circuit 2: 3 Rounds on Bosu Ball

  • 10 Sit-Ups

  • 10 Right & Left Side Crunch

  • 10 Sit-Ups

BURNOUT: Planks!

  • :30 Plank

  • :30 Plank Side Drops

  • CONTINUE until you are burned out!

AB Workout #3

Use Ab Bench

Circuit: Repeat 3 Times

  • 15 Crunches

  • 20 Right Crunches

  • 15 Bench Jumps (literally hold the bench with two hands and hop over 15 times)

  • 20 Left Crunches

  • 15 Leg Raises