The key to getting a stronger core is pretty simple: spend more time strengthening your abdominal muscles. No, you don't have to schedule hour-long ab sessions, but your workouts should contain a core proponent. It can be as simple as spending a few minutes before moving into a or after a , but the bottom line is that you've got to commit to working your core if you want it to become stronger — and weighted ab exercises can be a great tool to do so.
As a trainer, I think your ab workouts should entail stability aspects, strength aspects, and some explosive work. Having those variations will help stabilize your spine and prevent injury. I love bodyweight exercises like and hanging leg raises to , but I also like to up the intensity with weighted ab exercises.
If you're a beginner, don't let these moves intimidate you. The key is to . You can do weighted ab exercises with dumbbells, medicine balls, kettlebells, or even a cable machine — no matter what, my recommendation is no more than 10 pounds.
Don't be afraid to decrease the weight if your form is falling apart; better safe than injured. Also, add just a few of these moves to your next workout, especially if you haven't been doing many core workouts lately — otherwise, you'll risk ending up extremely sore. Ahead, eight of the best weighted ab exercises you can have in your back pocket.
You can do a Russian twist with your heels touching the floor or raised so your calves are parallel to the floor (shown). The weight ad.
