7 abs exercises better than crunches-1

7 Abs Exercises Better Than Crunches

Crunches are great, but they’re not enough to get you the abs of your dreams. If you’re looking for something new, something that gives you real results, then look no further. I’ve got 7 core exercises that are better than crunches.

Changing things up is a critical factor in determining your fitness success, whether you’re working on your abs or your arms. Crunches are great, but they’ll really only take you so far. Over time, your core muscles get used to the same old crunches, and eventually you stop seeing results. You also need to add resistance at some point, because repetition alone isn’t enough.

These 7 new abdominal exercises are great for taking things up a notch. If what you’re looking for is a real six pack, you need to start including these exercises into your workout routine as soon as possible.

Even better, combine them into one solid abdominal workout routine. Just perform 3 sets of each exercise at 15-20 reps each.

Moving Beyond Crunches: 7 New Abs Exercises

All of these exercises incorporate more than just your core muscles. This is really the ideal approach to getting six pack abs, because you need to tone your entire body and burn calories all around to really see results.

1. Dumbbell Squat to Press – Start by standing with your feet at hip width, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Turn the dumbbells so that your palms are facing forward. Lower into a deep squat, engaging your core throughout as you bend your elbows and curl the dumbbells upward. Then lift out of the squat as you press the dumbbells overhead. That’s one rep.

2. Cross-Leg Lunges – Stand with your feet at hip width and hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Step forward and to the right with your left foot, bending at the knee as you lower, allowing your right leg to cross under your left leg in the lunge. In order to do this one right, you’ve got to step pretty far to the side with the initial lunge. Perform equal reps on each side.

3. Squat Kick Back – Holding a dumbbell in each hand, lower into a squat and press the dumbbells against the floor just in front of your feet. Once in the lower position, kick your feet back while you grip the dumbbells for support, holding yourself in a plank position with your arms straight and your toes on the floor. Once back, pull your feet forward again and lift back to starting. That’s one rep.

4. Lunge and Press – Perform a traditional lunge while you hold a dumbbell in each hand. As you lower into the lunge, press the dumbbells overhead. Make sure your front knee doesn’t move past your front toe, and lower as deeply as possible, engaging your core.

5. Dumbbell Push-Up Row – Get into a traditional push-up position, but grip a dumbbell in each hand (pressing these dumbbells against the floor). Lower toward the floor, and as you push back up, row one dumbbell into your torso. Lower again, and row with the opposite arm. That’s one rep.

6. Plank and Step – Get into plank position, balancing on your palms (slight bend in elbows) and toes. Keeping your back, hips, and legs aligned, step forward with one foot and bring it to the outside of your right hand. Hold for 1 count, return to starting, and repeat with opposite leg. That’s one rep.

7. Wall Slides – This one’s pretty simple, but it’s a great challenge for your core muscles. Lean against a wall, with your feet about a foot from the wall at hip width. Hold your arms overhead against the wall. Engaging your core, lower slightly, allowing your back to slide down the wall. Hold for 3 counts, and slowly return to starting. That’s one rep.

Looking for other new exercises to get you out of your crunch funk?

Try adding yoga to your fitness routine. It’s a fantastic abdominal and core workout that offers additional benefits for your entire body. Invest in this awesome Gaiam Yoga for Beginners Kit to do it at home, or check out my Yoga Abs Workout here.

And don’t forget, diet is essential to seeing real six pack results. Take a look at my Six Pack Abs Diet here for the best results.

Have any questions or feedback about these 7 Abs Exercises Better Than Crunches? Please leave a comment below…