Q: Are there any abs exercises that work my entire body?
A: Hell, yeah. Your abdominals will almost always be called into play whenever you train your bigger muscles because you need the core to stabilize you. Even if you think about a weighted move such as a front squat, which is leg-focused, your abs have to switch on to prevent your torso from falling forward thanks to the weight resting on the fronts of your shoulders. Fortunately, you don’t need weights to enjoy this effect because while the following exercises place a great deal of emphasis on abs, they’ll work your arms, legs, back and more. Use them to condition your entire body in half the time.

 

  1. Hanging Leg Raise
  2. A) Hang from a bar with an overhand grip.
  3. B) Keep your legs straight and lift them as high as you can. Return to starting position.

 

  1. Plank
  2. A) Place your forearms on the ground and extend your legs to form a straight line.
  3. B) Press into the ground with your elbows and forearms. Don’t let your hips raise up or down. Hold this position for time.

 

  1. L-Sit
  2. A) Sit on the floor with your palms on the ground and your legs fully extended in front of you.
  3. B) Press your hands into the ground and raise your butt and legs off the floor. Keep your legs straight. Hold this position for time.

 

  1. Back Lever
  2. A) Begin in an inverted-hang from a bar, looking toward the floor, with your feet toward the ceiling.
  3. B) Lower your body toward a face-down, horizontal position, with your hands still on the bar. Look forward and point your toes behind you. Squeeze your arms close to your sides as you continue lowering your body until you are completely horizontal.

 

Front Lever

  1. A) Hang from a bar with an overhand grip.

 

  1. B) Squeeze the bar tightly and pull your body up until it is parallel to the ground, and you are facing the ceiling. Keep your arms and your body straight. Flex your lats, abs, glutes and quadriceps to help maintain a straight body.

 

THE WORKOUT

Hanging Leg Raise               3 x 20 reps

Plank                                       2 x 60 second hold

L-Sit                                        2 x 30 second hold

Back Lever                             3 x 5 second hold

Front Lever                            5 x 3 second hold