About abs
The rectus abdominis is the paired muscle along the front of the abdomen. It flexes the trunk and, just as often, resists the lower back arching, which is how it works in planks and rollouts.
Choosing between these exercises
Crunches and hanging leg raises flex the trunk, while planks, dead bugs and ab-wheel rollouts ask the abs to resist extension instead. Cable crunches and the ab machine let you add load in small steps. Planks and dead bugs are a calm way to build control before you try the harder variations.
At a glance
| Guides | 7 |
|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight moves (5), cables (1), machines (1) |
| Levels | 4 beginner, 3 intermediate |
| Movement patterns | Resist extension (3), Core (2), Trunk flexion (1), Trunk flexion (1) |
| Most common supporting muscles | obliques (4), deep core (3), hip flexors (2), front deltoids (1) |
Where to start
These guides are rated beginner level: Forearm plank, Kneeling cable crunch, Dead bug and Machine abdominal crunch.
All 7 guides
Grouped by movement pattern. Each line shows the equipment, the level and the supporting muscles from that guide.
Resist extension (3)
- Dead bug — Bodyweight / calisthenics, beginner; also works deep core and hip flexors
- Forearm plank — Bodyweight / calisthenics, beginner; also works deep core and glutes
- Ab wheel rollout — Bodyweight / calisthenics, intermediate; also works front deltoids, lats, obliques and serratus
Core (2)
- Machine abdominal crunch — Machines, beginner; also works obliques and deep core
- Crunch — Bodyweight / calisthenics, intermediate; also works obliques
Trunk flexion (1)
- Kneeling cable crunch — Cable, beginner; also works obliques
Trunk flexion (1)
- Hanging leg raise — Bodyweight / calisthenics, intermediate; also works hip flexors and forearm flexors
Common questions
How many ab exercises does One Fitness Hub explain?
7 guides in the Workout Explorer train abs as their main muscle, each with numbered steps, form cues and common mistakes. They cover bodyweight moves, cables and machines.
Which ab exercises are best for beginners?
4 of the 7 guides are rated beginner level, including Forearm plank, Kneeling cable crunch, Dead bug and Machine abdominal crunch. Read the steps and cues first, and start gently.
What equipment do I need for ab exercises?
The guides use bodyweight moves, cables and machines. 5 of them are bodyweight movements.
More exercise guides by muscle and equipment
Browse every guide in the Workout Explorer. Search all 178 guides, watch the demonstrations and compare two exercises side by side.
By muscle
- Chest exercises
- Front delt exercises
- Lat exercises
- Quad exercises
- Glute exercises
- Hamstring exercises
- Biceps exercises
- Triceps exercises
- Calf exercises
- Rear delt exercises
- Ab exercises
- Oblique exercises
By equipment
- Barbell exercises
- Dumbbell exercises
- Cable exercises
- Bodyweight exercises
- Gym machine exercises
- Cardio exercises
- Mobility exercises
Educational guidance, not an individual training prescription. Start with a manageable load, work within a comfortable range, and stop if a movement causes pain. Ask a qualified coach for help with an unfamiliar setup. Practice the technique before increasing load. Repetitions and working weight depend on your goals, experience, and individual needs.