Slideshow: Five Moves for Sexy Abs

By Amanda Vogel; Photography Paul Buceta; Model Linda Maxwell

  • Keywords Workout, Abs, Gym, Core
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1. Abs Attack!

You love home-based training for its convenience and time efficiency, but let’s be honest: when it comes to challenging your abs, there are only so many ways to bust a move in your living room.

So get ready to hit the gym two to three times a week, and reserve your living room for a little R&R after your workout.

2. Stability-ball roll-out

Set Up: Place a mat on the floor and kneel on it. Clasp your hands and place your forearms on top of a stability ball in front of you.

Action: Using your abs and not your arms to initiate the motion, slowly roll the ball forward and away from you (your body should remain in a straight line from your head to your knees.) Stop when you feel a stretch throughout your core, then contract your abs and roll the ball back to the start.

Aim for: Two to three sets of eight to 12 reps.

3. Bench knee tuck

Set Up: Sit on the end of a bench, hold the edges for support, and bring your knees towards your chest.

Action: Lean back about 45 degrees and straighten your legs. Hold before bending your knees to bring them back towards your chest.

Aim for: Two to three sets of 12 to 15 reps.

4. Cable crunch with rope

Set Up: Kneel in front of a pulley station with a rope attachment secured high. Hold one end of the rope to either side of your head with a neutral grip (palms facing in).

Action: Contract your abs and pull down on the cable as you crunch your upper body toward the floor, bringing your elbows towards your knees without overly rounding your back. Hold, then slowly return to the start.

Aim for: Two to three sets of eight to 12 reps.

5. Cable woodchop

Set Up: Stand beside a high-pulley station with a D-handle attached. Hold the handle with both hands, directing your arms upward as shown.

Action: Contract your abs and pull the handle across your body and down, pivoting on your foot until your hands are on the outside of your far calf. Slowly reverse to return to the start.

Aim for: Two sets of eight to 12 reps on each side.

6. Side crunch on bench

Set Up: Lie sideways on a Roman chair or back extension machine with one hip against the padding and your feet staggered and secured under the pads. Place your hands lightly behind your head.

Action: Focus on squeezing your obliques as you crunch through your waist to bring your upper elbow towards your hip, keeping your feet anchored and your back straight at all times. Pause for one count, then slowly return to the start.

Aim for: Two sets of 12 to 15 reps per side.

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