5 Best Beginner Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core

If you're new to ab workouts and wondering where to start, these five effective exercises are perfect for beginners. They're simple, equipment-free, and designed to build core strength safely with proper form.

Plank (Shelf)

1. Lie face down on the floor with your forearms under your chest and hands flat.
2. Lift your body into a straight plank position, engaging your core.
3. Squeeze your abs and hold for 30 seconds, building up to a minute or more over time.

Mountain Climbers

1. Begin in a high plank or push-up position.
2. Alternately drive each knee toward your chest as quickly as you can maintain form.
3. Continue for about 30 seconds.

Burpees

1. Start standing with feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Squat down, place hands on the floor, then jump back to plank.
3. Jump feet forward, stand up, and repeat.

Bicycle Crunches

1. Lie on your back, lift legs to 90 degrees, hands behind head.
2. Pedal your legs in a cycling motion: extend right leg while twisting left elbow to right knee.
3. Alternate sides, focusing on controlled twists.

Reverse Crunches

1. Lie on your back, arms at sides, legs at 90 degrees.
2. Lift hips, rolling lower back off the floor toward your chest.
3. Squeeze abs, hold for two seconds, then lower slowly without fully resting buttocks.
4. Repeat.

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