What are the most effective ab exercises in terms of muscle activation?

Asked by: Stacy Webb

The Best Ab Exercises, According to Science

Do crunches—the right way. The resounding ab winner in the muscle-activation studies is, in fact, the standard crunch. …
Bicycle crunches are good, too. …
Visit the captain’s chair. …
And do your planks, too. …
Stop trying to target your “lower” abs.

What exercise activates the abs the most?

bicycle crunches

In their ranking of 13 of the most common ab exercises, bicycle crunches took the top spot based on activation of the rectus abdominis (those six-pack muscles).

What exercises activate the abs?

Take a deep breath one hand goes on your chest. One hand goes here on your belly. So as you take a big deep breath think about pulling that belly button to the spine.

What are the top 3 exercises for abs?

These 3 bodyweight exercises are perfect for setting your abs on fire!

Single leg v-up. Even though this exercise is a regression to a normal v-up, don’t underestimate its power. …
Side plank oblique crunches. This dynamic plank variation will hit your obliques (side abs) hard. …
Mountain climbers.

Jan 30, 2020

What is the hardest ab exercise?

The 7 Hardest Ab Exercises

Dragon Flag. Lie faceup on a bench and grab the bench next to your ears so that your elbows are bent and your upper arms are next to your head. …
Cross-Climber With Feet on Swiss Ball. …
Medicine-Ball V-Up. …
Standing Barbell Rollout. …
Swiss-Ball Jackknife With Push-Up. …
Front Lever. …
Turkish Get-Up.

Jan 27, 2015

Is it OK to work abs everyday?

Just like any other muscle, your abs need a break too! That doesn’t mean you can’t activate your ab muscles during your warm-up with exercises like Planks, Inchworms, and other balance and stabilization exercises, but you shouldn’t train them every day.
May 27, 2019

Can you get abs in a month?

Is That Even Possible? Can you really get better abs in just 1 month? If you mean a stomach that’s tighter, more toned, and slimmer — yes you can. Fire up the following workout and cut some calories and you can reasonably lose a couple pounds a week, say the pros.
Feb 5, 2013

Are sit-ups a good ab exercise?

Pros: Work multiple muscles

Situps are a multi-muscle exercise. While they don’t specifically target stomach fat (Note: neither do crunches!), situps actually work the abdominals as well as other muscles groups, including: chest.

Do planks help abs?

The plank exercise is one of the best exercises for a strong stomach because it works all the muscles in your core, including the rectus abdominus (the “six-pack muscles” you can see), transverse abdominus (your deepest abs muscles), internal and external obliques (your sides), hips, and back (which, yes, are part of
Mar 12, 2021

Which is better plank or crunches?

While the humble crunch can work wonders for your core, the plank provides optimal results when it comes to aiding sports performance, rehab and general fitness. So, if you really want to maximize the benefits of your core training the increased muscle activation you get with a plank means it’s the way to go.
Feb 21, 2018