Top 5 Exercises to Build Lean Abs

Eager to build lean abs but unsure where to start? Then, you’ve come to the right place! The secret to building lean abs lies not only in the ab workouts you perform but also in the cardiovascular exercise you do and the diet that you follow.

 

In this article, however, we’ll be focusing on the exercises the help build lean abs and how you can curate them into a lean abs workout. What follows will be an outline of the top 5 exercises YOU can do to build lean abs that you’ve always dreamed of. 

 

Top 5 Abdominal Exercises for Building Lean Abs

 

Before diving into the details, it’s important to mention the necessity of a few things when performing a given workout…

 

First, you must prioritize warming up before jumping into the workout to prime the body for action and reduce the risk of injury. Second, ensure that you’re executing each exercise properly, not only to get the most out of the workout but to avoid injury.

 

The following lean abs workout can be adjusted for your current ability and fitness levels; for more intensity, increase reps and vice versa.

 

1. The Classic Crunch

 

• Begin by laying on your back, knees bent at 90 degrees and hands behind your head.

• Contract your abs, lifting your chest towards your knees.

• Squeeze your abs for a 1-second hold. Return to the starting position.

 

1. Lying Leg Raises 

 

• Lay on your back with your hands under your butt and your legs in full extension.

• Lift your legs vertically, slightly elevating your hips off the ground.

• Squeeze your abs for a 1-second hold. Return to starting position. 

 

1. Static Plank

 

• Begin face down with your forearms and toes on the ground, and your hips elevated.

• Contract your abs while keeping your torso straight.  

• Hold the position for the duration prescribed.

 

1. Russian Oblique Twist

 

• Begin by sitting on the ground with knees bent and lower back raised off the ground at a 45-degree angle.

• Contracting your abs, twist your torso side-to-side in a controlled fashion.

• Repeat for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

 

1. Mountain Climbers

 

• Start in a high plank position, contracting your abs for stability.

• Drive each knee, one after the other, towards your chest, returning your toes to the extended position after each drive. 

• Alternate for the prescribed number of repetitions.

 

There you have it! Five ab exercises to incorporate into your next lean abs workout!