This hub groups exercises by the core muscles they train: the rectus abdominis, the obliques, and the deep stabilizers. It is the muscle-group view of trunk training. For the same work organized by what the trunk is doing (anti-extension, anti-rotation, flexion), see the Core movement hub. Two or three of these per session is plenty alongside your bigger lifts.
Below are 41 ab and core exercises, 7 of them beginner-friendly, ordered from easiest to most advanced. Each one comes with a full form guide.
From Domenic: Two or three core exercises a session is plenty. It recovers slower than people think, especially since it's already working on every other lift.
Related Exercise Hubs
All Ab and Core Exercises (41)
Bicycle Crunch
Bird Dog
Crunch
Crunch Partial
Deadbug Partial
Forearm Plank
Heel Tap
Cross Toe Touch
Deadbug
Hand Plank
High Knee-N-Crunch
Hollow Hold
Hundred
Leg Raise
March-N-Chop
Plank Jacks
Reach Up
Seated Side Bend
Standing Twist
Twist Crunch
Bird Dogs Crunch
Boat Pose
Floor Wiper
Hanging Leg Raises
In-N-Out
Mountain Climber
Plank Twist
Plank Walk
Plank-N-Twist
Renegade Row
Reverse Crunch
Russian Twist
Scissor Raise
Side Plank
Side Plank Raise
Side Plank Reach Through
Spider Plank
Squat Twist
Star Crunches
Teaser Hold
Walk Out
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best core exercises for beginners?
Bicycle Crunch, Bird Dog, and Crunch are the most beginner-friendly choices here. Start with whichever one you can perform with clean form for every rep, then build from there.
How many sets and reps should I do for core exercises?
A practical default is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 15 reps, 2 sessions per week, with at least 48 hours before training the same muscles again. That is broadly in line with ACSM resistance-training guidance for general fitness. Start at the easier end of that range and add sets or reps before adding new exercises; each exercise's guide gives specific targets.
How often should I train core?
Two sessions a week, with at least a day of recovery between them, works for most muscle groups. Pick two or three exercises (Bicycle Crunch and Bird Dog, for example) and progress them gradually rather than piling on all the volume at once.
How do I make these core exercises harder over time?
Once your form is repeatable, progress toward harder options such as Bird Dogs Crunch and Boat Pose. Each exercise's guide lists its regressions and progressions in order, so there is always a clear next step.