Ab Workouts to Help You Get Flatter Abs Fast – Everyone wants a strong, toned midsection. Whether you’re aiming for that elusive six-pack or simply want to feel confident in your favorite pair of jeans, flat abs are a common fitness goal. But here’s the truth: no matter how many crunches you do, spot reduction won’t work without the right combination of core exercises, overall fitness, and clean eating. The good news? With consistent effort and the right moves, you can sculpt a stronger, flatter core faster than you think.
Below, we’ve rounded up five highly effective ab workouts designed to activate your entire core—upper abs, lower abs, obliques, and deep stabilizing muscles alike. These exercises require no equipment, making them perfect for home or gym workouts.
Table of Contents
1. Leg Raises – Sculpt Your Lower Abs
Leg raises are a game-changer for targeting your lower abs, an area that often needs extra attention for achieving a flatter stomach. To perform them, lie flat on your back with your legs straight and hands under your glutes for support.
Also Read: 5 Workouts to Flatten Your Midsection and Shed Belly Fat
Keeping your lower back pressed into the floor, lift your legs toward the ceiling until they’re perpendicular to the ground. Slowly lower them back down without letting them touch the floor, then repeat. Avoid arching your lower back—engage your core throughout the movement.
If this feels too challenging, bend your knees slightly or perform the move with one leg at a time. Aim for 3 sets of 10–15 reps. For added support, place your hands under your tailbone to reduce strain on your lower back.
2. Flutter Kicks – Fire Up Your Entire Core
Flutter kicks are a dynamic exercise that engages your lower abs, hip flexors, and obliques for a full-core burn. Lie on your back with your hands tucked under your glutes for support and lift your legs about 6 inches off the ground.
Alternate kicking your legs up and down in small, controlled motions, keeping your core engaged. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and avoid letting your legs drop too low, which can strain your back. Perform 3 sets of 30–45 seconds.
Also Read: Build Muscle Fast: 9 Dumbbell Workout for Maximum Size and Power
If straight legs feel too intense, modify by bending your knees slightly while maintaining the kicking motion. This move is perfect for adding endurance and definition to your midsection.
3. Plank Variations – Build Stability and Strength
Planks are a powerhouse for targeting your entire core, including deep stabilizing muscles that give you a strong, sleek midsection. For the forearm plank, start in a forearm plank position with elbows directly under your shoulders and body in a straight line from head to heels.
Engage your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine and hold the position. For side planks, lie on your side with your elbow under your shoulder and feet stacked. Lift your hips off the ground, forming a straight line from head to heels, and hold before switching sides.
Avoid sagging your hips or lifting them too high—keep your body in a straight line. Hold each plank variation for 20–60 seconds, completing 3 sets per side. Modify by dropping to your knees for forearm planks or performing side planks with bent knees.
4. Reverse Crunches – Target Your Deep Core Muscles
Reverse crunches isolate your lower abs and engage your transverse abdominis, the muscle responsible for pulling your belly in for a flatter appearance. Lie on your back with your hands at your sides and knees bent at 90 degrees, feet lifted off the ground.
Also Read: 15-Minute Daily Yoga Routine to Improve Spine and Hip Flexibility
Use your abs to lift your hips slightly off the ground, bringing your knees toward your chest. Slowly lower back down with control. Focus on using your abs—not momentum—to lift your hips, and keep your movements slow and deliberate.
Perform 3 sets of 12–15 reps. For added stability, place your hands under your lower back to reduce strain. This move is perfect for strengthening your core from the inside out.
5. Toe Touches – Tone Your Upper Abs
Toe touches are a classic ab exercise that targets your upper abs while improving flexibility and coordination. Lie on your back with your legs extended straight up toward the ceiling and arms reaching toward your toes.
Lift your shoulders off the ground and reach your hands toward your toes, engaging your abs. Lower back down with control and repeat. Avoid straining your neck—keep your gaze toward the ceiling and focus on using your abs to lift. Aim for 3 sets of 15–20 reps.
If the move feels too intense, modify by bending your knees slightly to reduce strain on your lower back. This exercise is a fantastic way to add definition to your upper abs and enhance core strength.
