2 Intense Ab Exercises (Most People Skip)

No you can’t spot reduce the fat around your middle by doing a bazillion crunches or sit ups…

BUT focused ab work can help you get that lean, defined core when your nutrition is dialed in.

Yet too often we skip the core work.

If we add it in, it’s an afterthought.

And too often we think we’ve done even enough core work because we’ve included heavy lifts like squat and deadlift.

And while those moves do benefit your core, they’re working it only in one way…to stabilize.

But our abs power spinal flexion and don’t only resist extension or stabilize.

Not to mention our obliques twist and turn, and laterally flex not to mention help us prevent unwanted rotation.

This means we want to target all of these movement patterns to see the best results.

That’s why I want to share a few of my favorite core moves, specifically two moves focused on your abs, to train these muscles both with flexion and anti-extension exercises to not only help you build a stronger core but a more defined one.

However, first I want to touch on two essentials to core training that will help you see better results faster and are too often IGNORED…

I’ll then also show you how to use my favorite moves while addressing these two key components…

[karinekmk]

One cue I remember from your early vids is actually "which muscle do I feel working now ?" . I keep it in mind every time !
Haven't tried your version of reverse crunch yet, will do it ASAP !
Plank saws with sliders DESTROY my abs for 4-5 days every time I incorporate them into my WOs. They're deceivingly difficult !

[chimmichonga]

I've been having trouble engaging my abs during my workouts and this was the exact video I needed, thank you Cori! <3

[FiTTWithHannah]

❤Excellent Video! Even as a trainer I need to be reminded of this! We get so caught up in doing variations when actually mastering just 2 really effective exercises is the way to get great results ! Thank you! ❤

[maryamAS]

I am guilty of not focusing on my core in the past and thought that it was all about the weights. I ended up with severe back/hip issues 😢 I have been focusing on my core-muscle connection for the past year and finally my issues are improving!

[AvecBella]

If it will challenge you, it will change you! Thank you for these moves, Cori 😊❤❤❤

[jfar]

Excellent video with a very inspiring thumbnail, showing stunning results and aesthetics

[alyssapowell]

Jeremy Ethier has an interesting video on research showing spot reduction is sort of possible - with research showing where the body burns fat from can be influenced on what muscles are doing activity and without enough of a load being placed on the abs, there isn't the catalyst to burn fat from that area. That could explain why it's so difficult especially for women to lose weight around the middle since weighted ab exercises isn't something most women do.

[villagefloralhouse]

The best workout info on YouTube, one time years ago, she even answered my questions about my back and I was able to fix it, she helped more than years of pt and chiros

[EmorettaRobinson]

I don't know why but last year I discovered that I couldn't do a reverse crunch with my legs extended. I hadn't done one in years. But I used to be able to do them. So I wasn't sure when I stopped being able to do them. I have had an MRI done which showed degenerative disc's, a disc out of place and arthritis in my back. This is partly why I've wanted to strengthen my core. The other reason is just that I want a stronger core. So I'm gonna do the reverse crunch with the foam roller. I have a nordic stick that attaches underneath my door. I also use it to attach battle ropes to. So I'll do the overhead grip onto that. Thanks for the inspo and the info Cori.

[carolinelane]

Always love your videos Cori. Will give these a try. 2 years of physio for a weak core it just wont strengthen. Sick of having a sore lower back if I walk more than 200m or stand too long. 6 years ago I did triathlons. Now I can hardly walk. Frustrating as hell. Not to mention the extra weight I've put on.

[NoTrashInHeaven]

Your sweet puppy certainly has its cuteness dialed in 😍

[susanapplegate]

This is fire! I’m working thru the leg lift and extended plank and yow! Great video and much appreciated…training for my second Spartan race at 70, and your content is always on my ‘save’ list!

[nathanyoder]

Thanks for explaining these ab exercises! I plan on adding them in to my workouts. Still working on my nutrition, but tips/exercises from previous videos have really helped me take my core definition to another level and I want to keep improving! Thank you Cori!

[xvsj-sx]

Thank you Cori, you’re certainly the uncontested expert in fitness management. Have a fabulous week ahead !!! ✌🏻🫶🏻

[sheilastayton]

I love the beginning of this video.. Good Job Lady! I will be implementing this into my routine. People at the gym are going to look at me funny.. but Hey! Gotta get those Abs😀

[carriemorash]

Love it … as usual :) I am going for it… visual ab definition… on my bucket list 😂

[fcmiller]

Love the Cori to anti-Cori chat.!! Ya, and the core instruction exercises.

[MrDevinferreira]

Great, thanks for sharing. Adding this to my workout.

[bonperal]

I hate doing ab work...which is why I do abs first. Great video.

[Major.Tom.]

I like the concept of "anti-extension"