Want to carve out a six-pack that turns heads at the beach? It’s not just about endless crunches—you need a mix of smart exercises, consistency, and a little sweat equity. Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to chisel what’s already there, these six killer ab workouts will help you build a rock-solid core fast.
Hanging Leg Raises – The Ultimate Core Crusher
If you want serious definition, hanging leg raises are your best friend. This move targets your entire core, especially the lower abs—the stubborn area where fat loves to hang out. Grab a pull-up bar, keep your legs straight, and lift them up to hip level (or higher if you’re feeling beastly). The key? Control the movement on the way down to maximize muscle engagement.
Dragon Flags – Bruce Lee’s Secret Weapon
Popularized by martial arts legend Bruce Lee, dragon flags are brutal but insanely effective. Lie on a bench, grip it behind your head, and lift your entire torso and legs off the surface using just your abs. It’s like a reverse crunch on steroids. Start with partial reps if full ones feel impossible—your abs will be screaming (in a good way).
Ab Wheel Rollouts – Small Tool, Big Burn
Don’t underestimate the ab wheel—this simple gadget delivers a next-level burn. Kneel on a mat, grip the handles, and roll forward while keeping your core tight. The further you go, the harder your abs have to work to pull you back. If you’re new to this, start with short rolls and work your way up to full extensions.
Weighted Cable Crunches – Power Up Your Obliques
Cable crunches add resistance to traditional ab work, forcing your muscles to grow. Kneel in front of a cable machine, grab the rope attachment, and crunch down while keeping tension on your abs. The added weight helps build thickness in your rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscle) while also hitting your obliques.
L-Sit Holds – Gymnast-Level Core Strength
Gymnasts have some of the most shredded midsections for a reason—they train their cores isometrically. The L-sit (holding your legs straight out while supporting yourself on parallel bars or the floor) is a killer way to build endurance and definition. Even holding for 10 seconds at first will light your abs up.
Russian Twists – Oblique Obliterator
Want that V-cut along your waist? Russian twists are a must. Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, and twist side to side with a weight or medicine ball. The rotation hits your obliques hard, helping carve out that athletic, tapered look. For extra intensity, lift your feet off the ground.
Bonus Tip: Abs Are Made in the Kitchen
No matter how hard you train, if your diet’s a mess, your six-pack will stay hidden. Dial in your nutrition—prioritize protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs while keeping calories in check. Combine that with these workouts, and you’ll be flexing a sculpted core sooner than you think.
Now get after it—your future six-pack is waiting.
