Five of the Best Ab Exercises to Strengthen Your Core
A strong core is part of the foundation of peak athletic performance. Along with proper nutrition, hydration , and a balanced workout, a good core routine gives you the strength to perform at your best in the sport you love. Here are five great ab workouts to strengthen your core and up your game.
Bicycle Crunches
This exercise adds rotation to your standard
crunch workout, increasing strength and endurance. Bicycle crunches target your
oblique and upper abdominal muscles. The starting position is on your back with
your hands behind your head. Lifting your head and holding a crunch position,
alternate lifting knees toward your chest, while rotating so your opposite side
elbow touches your knee. One repetition is complete after you’ve lifted both
knees. Do three sets of 30 reps.
Lateral V-Ups
This exercise is a variation on standard v-ups,
like sit-ups, and targets your obliques. The starting position is on your side,
with both legs straight out and your bottom arm straight in front of you. Lift
your free arm straight up while lifting both legs toward that arm. One
repetition is complete after you lower your legs and arm back to the starting
position. Do three sets of 15 reps.
Barbell Roll-Outs
This exercise increases core, lower back, and shoulder strength by activating
your core in a stretched position. This one is great for athletes whose sports
require stretching while using strength. The starting position is on your knees
with a barbell in front of you – use 25-pound plates on each end. Holding the
bar with both hands, roll it out until you are about parallel with the floor.
Roll the barbell back with your core strength. One repetition is complete once
you are back to starting position. Do three sets of 15 reps.
Unilateral Bridge
This exercise targets the glutes, hamstrings, and overall core strengthening
and is helpful for runners and athletes whose sports require jumping. The
starting position is flat on the floor with knees bent and feet flat. Tighten
your core and raise to a level bridge from your shoulders to your knees. Slowly
raise one leg and hold, maintaining the bridge position, then return to the
bridge position and raise the next leg. A repetition is complete after both
legs are done. Do three sets of 15 reps.
Plank to Push-Up
This exercise adds intensity to the standard
plank position through movement. The start position is your classic plank, with
a straight back and contracted core and glutes. Use one arm to push your body
up into a push-up position with a straight arm, then bring the other arm
straight. Then transition back to the plank, placing one forearm at a time back
on the ground. A repetition is complete when you are back in the plank
position. Do three sets of 20 reps. The 20 reps include 10 reps starting with
the left arm and 10 starting with the right arm.
Try adding a new exercise to your ab workout to strengthen your core and add balance, flexibility, and endurance for peak performance in your sport.
Staying hydrated is an important part of your workout routine. Choose TotalFit Premium Water™, purified and micro-clustered for optimal absorption and enhanced with electrolytes and a perfect pH balance. Get a case of TotalFit Premium Water™ today and experience superior hydration to enhance your workouts. You can shop online at your convenience or find a store near you . For exciting new TotalFit™ special promotions, health and fitness tips and more, text “totalfit” to 95577. BE FIT today!









