The Best Ab Workouts for Athletes and Beginners

It’s no secret that having strong core muscles is important for athletes, regardless of the sport. Having a strong core can help improve your balance, stability and strength, enabling you to perform better in any activity or sport. But how do you go about getting those six-pack abs? It all comes down to ab workouts.

Shop The Collection: Smith Machines

Ab workouts are essential for athletes and beginners alike, but there are a few key differences. Athletes need to focus on more intensive and dynamic ab workouts, while beginners should focus on more basic exercises. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ab workouts for athletes and beginners so you can get the most out of your training.

Shop The Gear: Altas AL-3059 All-in-One Functional Smith Trainer, $2,698.99 USD

Best Ab Workouts for Athletes

Athletes are looking for ab workouts that are more intense and challenging than those for beginners. Here are some of the best ab workouts for athletes:

Shop The Collection: Resistance Bands

• Medicine Ball Slams: Medicine ball slams are a great way to work your core and get an intense workout. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a medicine ball in both hands. Raise the ball above your head and slam it down as hard as you can on the ground. Make sure to keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 10 reps.
• Plank Walks: Plank walks are a great way to engage your core while also strengthening your arms and shoulders. Start in a plank position with your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Step forward with one arm, followed by the other, into a push-up position. Then step back with one arm and then the other into the starting position. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 10 reps.
• Russian Twists: Russian twists are a great way to target your obliques and give your abdominal muscles a good workout. Start by sitting on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lean back slightly so your torso is at a 45-degree angle. Hold your hands together in front of your chest and twist from side to side. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.
• Mountain Climbers: Mountain climbers are a great way to engage your core muscles while also increasing your heart rate. Start in a plank position with your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Bring one knee up towards your chest and then switch legs. Keep switching legs and make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 30 seconds.
• Weighted Crunches: Weighted crunches are a great way to add resistance to your ab workouts and really target your abdominal muscles. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a weight plate or dumbbell close to your chest and crunch up as far as you can. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 12 reps.

Best Ab Workouts for Beginners

Beginners should focus on ab workouts that are less intense and more basic. Here are some of the best ab workouts for beginners:

Shop The Gear: MAGMA 5-Pack Resistance Bands Bundle With Bag, $77.99 USD

• Crunches: Crunches are a great way to target your abdominal muscles without putting too much strain on your body. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and curl your upper body up as far as you can. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 20 reps.
• Bicycle Crunches: Bicycle crunches are a great way to target your obliques and give your abdominal muscles a good workout. Start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and bring one knee up towards your chest. At the same time, bring the opposite elbow towards the knee. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 20 reps.
• Leg Raises: Leg raises are a great way to target your lower abdominals without putting too much strain on your body. Start by lying on your back with your hands beneath your glutes and your legs extended in front of you. Lift your legs up as high as you can and then lower them back down. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 15 reps.
• Planks: Planks are a great way to target your core muscles without putting too much strain on your body. Start by lying on your stomach with your hands directly underneath your shoulders. Push up onto your toes and hold the position for as long as you can. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 30 seconds.
• Side Planks: Side planks are a great way to target your obliques and give your abdominal muscles a good workout. Start by lying on your side with your feet stacked and your hand beneath your shoulder. Push up onto your forearm and hold the position for as long as you can. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout the exercise. Do 3 sets of 30 seconds.

Ab workouts are essential for athletes and beginners alike, but there are a few key differences. Athletes need to focus on more intensive and dynamic ab workouts, while beginners should focus on more basic exercises. With these ab workouts, you can strengthen your core and achieve the six-pack abs you’ve been dreaming of.