This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

Men’s Health/Eric Rosati

You can build up a strong core from heavy weighted structural exercises like squats, but if you really want to home in on your six-pack muscles, you’ll need to target your abs more directly. You probably already know that—but do you have a go-to routine for your workout that goes beyond a stale superset of half-hearted situps and saggy planks?

Take on this super quick triset of of abs-defining exercises from trainer Charlee Atkins, C.S.C.S. for a better core workout. It’s great for any type of exerciser, whether you’re a seasoned workout warrior or just getting into the gym for the first time. Atkins swears by it as more than just an easy prescription for the people she works with—she does the moves herself, too.

“Nine times out of 10, this is the ab routine I use, and I give to all of my clients,” she says. “It’s easy to modify to all athletic levels, and it’s, of course, a killer ab routine.”

To take on the core series, you can try it with or without an added load. You can use anything to add weight—dumbbells, kettlebells, sandbags, or even just a heavy object you have laying around. Either way, you’ll probably want set up shop on a yoga mat for your back. Check out this option from our Backslash Fit brand if you need a solid one for home.

Perform each exercise for 20 reps each with little to no rest

Tip: Keep the arms reaching for the ceiling the whole time

Regression: No weight; traditional situp; classic crunch

Tip: Bring the elbows to the knees. Extended position is a hollow body hold.

Regression: No weight

Tip: Try to keep legs as straight as possible with lower back pressed into the mat.

Regression: No weight

Take on the series for 3 to 5 rounds with minimal rest. Want to learn more moves from Atkins? Check out our series full of her workout tips, Try Her Move.

Source: Read Full Article