The 6 best exercises for a stronger flatter, stomach!

At Rising Sun Fitness, we believe that a strong core is one of the the foundations of overall fitness. Whether you’re looking to improve athletic performance or simply want to feel more confident at the beach, these six exercises will help you build a stronger, flatter stomach. Each move targets multiple abdominal muscles while also engaging the entire core system.

1. Plank

How to perform: Start in a push-up position, then lower onto your forearms with elbows under shoulders. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engaging your core by pulling your belly button toward your spine. Hold this position while breathing normally.

Why it’s beneficial: Planks engage the entire core including deep abdominal muscles that stabilize your spine. This isometric exercise builds endurance and strength without placing stress on your back, making it one of the most effective core exercises available.

2. Hollow Hold

How to perform: Lie on your back with arms extended overhead and legs straight. Press your lower back into the floor as you lift your shoulders and legs off the ground simultaneously. Your body should form a gentle curve like the bottom of a rocking chair. Hold while maintaining tension throughout your middle.

Why it’s beneficial: This fundamental gymnastics position teaches true core stabilization and helps develop the control needed for more advanced movements. It targets the rectus abdominis (six-pack muscles) and deep core stabilizers simultaneously.

3. Russian Twists

How to perform: Sit with knees bent and feet either on the floor or elevated. Lean back slightly, maintaining a straight spine. Clasp hands together or hold a weight and rotate your torso to tap the floor on either side of your hips.

Why it’s beneficial: This exercise specifically targets the obliques (side abdominal muscles) while also engaging the entire core. The rotational component improves functional strength that translates to everyday movements and athletic performance.

4. Ab Wheel Rollout

How to perform: Kneel on the floor holding an ab wheel with both hands. Slowly roll the wheel forward, extending your body as far as possible without allowing your back to sag. Use core strength to pull yourself back to the starting position.

Why it’s beneficial: This challenging exercise forces your entire core to stabilize against gravity. It builds serious strength in the rectus abdominis while also engaging the transverse abdominis (your natural weight belt) and improving shoulder stability.

5. Hanging Leg Raises

How to perform: Hang from a pull-up bar with hands shoulder-width apart. Keeping legs straight, use core strength to raise them until they’re parallel to the ground or higher. Lower with control.

Why it’s beneficial: This exercise targets the lower abdominals, an area many people struggle to develop. The hanging position eliminates the possibility of using the floor for momentum, ensuring your abs do all the work.

6. Deadbug

How to perform: Lie on your back with arms extended toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees over hips. Press your lower back into the floor as you slowly extend one arm overhead and the opposite leg straight out, hovering just above the floor. Return to starting position and repeat with opposite limbs.

Why it’s beneficial: This exercise teaches core stabilization while limbs are in motion—a fundamental skill for preventing injury. It’s gentle on the spine while still providing an effective challenge to the deep core muscles.

Remember, spot reduction of fat isn’t possible—you can’t just exercise your way to a flat stomach without addressing nutrition and overall body fat levels. At CrossFit Rising Sun, we’ll help you combine these effective exercises with proper nutrition and a comprehensive fitness program to achieve your goals.

Ready to strengthen your core and transform your midsection? Join us at CrossFit Rising Sun for expert coaching and a supportive community that will keep you motivated on your fitness journey!