Best Abdominal Exercises For Men's Health

You want to develop a tight, chiseled midsection to look good while shirtless on the beach, but developing your abdominal muscles has several health benefits as well. Strengthening the muscles in your core improves balance, stability, posture and athletic performance. You need your core to perform functional movements like getting out of bed or picking up your briefcase. The core is made up of the abdominals, external obliques and lower-back muscles. Incorporating abdominal exercises into your workout routine will help improve core strength and give your abs a flatter, well-defined appearance.

Stability Ball Planks

Stability ball planks work your abs, external obliques and lower back. Begin on your knees with your elbows resting on the ball. Press up onto your toes so your elbows and feet are supporting your body weight. Your elbows should be bent at a 90-degree angle. Make sure your spine is in a straight line. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat for four sets.

Hanging Leg Raises

Hanging leg raises recruit all the muscles in the core while targeting the lower abs. Hold a pull-up bar with your palms facing down and hands spaced shoulder-width apart. Hang from the bar and extend your legs straight toward the floor. Keep your feet together and lift your legs up to hip level. Slowly lower your legs to the starting position. Repeat the motion for four sets of 20 repetitions.

Russian Twists

Russian twists focus on your external obliques while engaging your abs and lower back. Start by being seated on the floor with your knees bent and feet on the ground. Hold a medicine ball close to your chest with both hands. Lean your upper body back to a 45-degree angle. Twist your upper body to the right and tap the medicine ball on the ground. Twist to the left and tap the ball on the floor. Continue alternating sides for four sets of 20 repetitions on each side.

Reverse Crunches

Reverse crunches stimulate your lower abdominal muscles. Lie on your back with your legs extended straight toward the ceiling and feet together. Place your hands under your hips to keep your lower back pressed against the ground. Squeeze your abs and lift your hips off the floor. Slowly lower your hips to the ground. Repeat the motion for four sets of 20 repetitions.