Yes, you can have a strong midsection with rocking abs,but it’s going to take more than crunches to get it. While the crunch may be a classic exercise, it targets only a single muscle group, when your core is made up of at least four different muscle groups.

Since the core is typically required during dynamic movements, it should be trained as such. For a well-balanced, functional foundation, it’s important to branch out beyond your comfort zone. Mix up your core work with these exercises that hit every angle of the abs, require balance and stability, and challenge a few extra muscles groups.

Perform the first two exercises as a superset. Once you’ve completed all the recommended sets, move to the next three exercises and perform them as a tri-set. Make this workout a part of your routine no less than twice per week and no more than four times per week.

Barbell Rollout:

How to:

  • Kneel on a mat in front of a loaded barbell.
  • Lean forward and grasp the bar with an overhand grip, arms slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  • Shift your weight towards the bar and let it roll forward, keeping your arms locked and upper body tight.
  • When you’ve gone as far as you safely can, pause, then use your core (not your arms) to reverse the movement back to the starting position.

Related article: Hit Your Abs From Every Angle With These Core-Strengthening 6 Medicine Ball Exercises

The Pendulum:

How to:

  • Lie face up on your back with your legs straight up towards the ceiling.
  • Place your arms out at your sides with palms facing down.
  • Engage your core and very slowly, lower your legs down to one side, keeping them straight.
  • Bring them back up to centre, then repeat on the other side.

Related article: 30 Day Home Abs Challenge Workout That Will Light Your Core And Torch Fat

Spiderman Plank Crunch:

How to:

  • Get into high plank position with your arms fully extended and locked.
  • Straighten your legs out behind you and engage your core.
  • Think of pulling your navel in towards your spine.
  • Bend your right knee and bring it up towards your right elbow.
  • Hold there for a least one breath, then lower.
  • Repeat on the other side.

Related article: 15 Of The Best Exercises To Sizzle Belly Fat And Shape Abs At Home

Kettlebell Russian Twist:

How to:

  • Holding a kettlebell in a seated position on the floor, engage your core then lift your feet a few inches off the ground with knees slightly bent.
  • Keeping your legs stationary, twist your upper body, bringing the weight to one side.
  • Hold, then slowly rotate back to centre and to the other side.
  • Repeat, making sure to use control.

Related article: 5 Exercises Using Only A Resistance Band To Pop Your Abs Out

Kettlebell Renegade Row:

How to:

  • Get into high plank position with one palm flat on the floor and the other gripping the handle of a kettlebell.
  • Place your feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • Bend your elbow and lift the kettlebell up to your rib cage in a slow, controlled motion.
  • Try to maintain a straight line with your body, do not lean to one side.
  • Repeat for all reps, then switch sides.