To this day, people will swear by sit-ups as the one move that will help them achieve a washboard stomach. Now, it’s time to take your ab workouts to another level and leave sit-ups in the back of your closet in case of a rainy day. This is because recent exercise physiology studies have found that abdominal strength comes from various core movements. Don’t believe the studies? Even the U.S. Army is phasing sit-ups out of their Army Physical Fitness Test!
Sit-ups also impose large compression forces on the spine, which can lead to injuries. That is especially true if you don’t have the strongest back, or if you are experiencing soreness. Another downside to sit-ups is that they do not work your entire group of core muscles, whereas midline exercises do. Additionally, many popular ab exercises, like sit-ups, overwork the hip flexors, which can worsen lower back pain. The following ab exercises are far more effective at developing a six-pack, and they also benefit your back.
Reverse Plank
When you do this exercise correctly, it engages your abdominal muscles, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. Sit up straight with your legs extended in front of you. Place your hands on the ground by your hips and engage your glutes before lifting your hips toward the ceiling. Press into your heels to help elevate your body until it is a diagonal line from your head to your toes. Look toward the ceiling and breathe deeply. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds before resting. Rest and repeat for a total of three times.
Standard Plank
The plank is a standard core isometric exercise that contracts muscles without movement. Recruiting all the major midline muscle groups, the plank strengthens the core and encourages better spinal alignment. Begin on all fours in a tabletop position, stacking your shoulders over your wrists and knees under your hips. As you step your feet back to stand on your toes, engage your core and press your palms firmly into the ground. Do not sag your hips, or you will ruin the exercise. Keep the body in a straight line and hold the position for 15 to 30 seconds. Rest and then repeat two more times.
V-Ups
Unlike sit-ups, V-ups do not only target the upper abs; rather, they work all of your major core muscle groups. Lie flat on your back with your arms overhead. Engage your core as you lift your legs up while simultaneously elevating your upper body off the ground to reach for your toes. Ideally, you form a “V” shape with your body during this exercise. Lower yourself back down after trying to touch your toes and then complete a total of 10 reps. If you cannot do a V-up, do a hollow-body hold, during which you engage your abdominals to lift your feet and arms about six inches off the ground. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds and then rest. Whichever you do, complete a total of three sets.
Stability Ball Knee Tucks
Not only does this target the lower abdominal muscles, but it also engages your chest, shoulders, and glutes. Think of this exercise like a plank, only your feet are on a stability ball and then you tuck your knees toward your chest. To begin, place your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart and step your feet onto a stability ball behind you. Your shins should be resting on the ball. Draw your knees toward your chest by engaging your lower abs and then extend your feet back behind you. Complete a total of three sets of 10 reps.
Side Plank
The side plank is another static plank variation that targets the oblique muscles. Lie on your right side and place your right forearm on the ground, keeping your elbow just below your shoulder. Extend the legs out so that your body is in a line, stacking your left leg on top of your right. Engage your glutes and core and push up to raise your left hip toward the ceiling. Your body should come to a straight line position. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and then rest. Complete a total of three times.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
