Tip: The Sicilian Crunch
Abs respond better to heavy weights because of their muscle fiber makeup. Here's one way to nail those fast-twitch fibers.
July 3
Tip: A Crazy Exercise That Actually Works
Some exercises are goofy looking and don't work very well. But some goofy-looking exercises are very effective. This is one of them.
July 2
Tip: A Strange Way to Build a Rock-Solid Core
It looks like an overhead press, but it's really one of the most brutal core exercises you can do. Check it out.
July 1
Tip: Cable Plank Press
If you can hold a plank for longer than 10 seconds, you've outgrown the exercise. Progress it with this resisted variation.
June 26
Tip: Dumbbell Turkish Get-Up
Get-ups are great for improving stability, core strength, and mobility, and you don't have to have a kettlebell to do them.
Tip: The Crunch: Safe or Dangerous?
There's a lot of misinformation out there about the good ol' ab crunch. Here's the truth, backed by science.
Tip: The Toughest Loaded Carry
Build your core strength and boost your squat, deadlift, and bench performances with this unusual exercise.
June 25
Tip: Hanging Leg Raise (Modified)
In this big/tall guy version of the leg raise, use bent elbows, tuck the knees, and lever from the shoulder joint.
June 24
Tip: Straight-Leg Bridges
Brace the trunk, engage the glutes and hams, and hit full hip extension on each raise.
June 20
Tip: Stability Ball Cable Rotation
Here the stability ball acts as a cam, providing constant, equal tension. Try this instead of cable chops for core work.
June 19
Tip: Heavy Renegade Row
Test your strength and stability by trying these with bodyweight. Example: A 200 pound man should be able to use a 100 pound dumbbell in each hand.
June 12
Not Dangerous! 4 Falsely Accused Exercises
We bet you've heard that these exercises are bad. Here's the truth, backed by science.
June 11
Tip: The Misinterpreted Ab Training Study
With all the talk these days about having a strong core, why do many lifters still have weak-ass abs? Here's part of the cause.
June 2
Tip: A Core Exercise to Boost Your Bench Press
Try this before your next bench session to lift heavier and stay safer.
May 14
Tip: Reverse Crunch, Correct Form
Using a tight, controlled range of motion (reducing any leg kicking) forces your abs to do more work.
May 13
Tip: Hanging Leg Raise, Proper Form
For this exercise, a short range of motion is superior. If you knees/legs go too far down, it just becomes a hip flexor exercise.
May 12
Tip: Cable Side Bend
People do this exercise with a dumbbell, but you'll get better results with an angled low cable.
May 5
Tip: The Oblique Builder
A strong core takes more than just ab training. Give this exercise a shot.
April 27
Tip: Dumbbell Pull-Across Plank
Crank up your plank with this tough variation.
April 16
Tip: Band Resisted Jackknife
Want a really strong core? Add this tough ab exercise to your program.