• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Workouts

Thrash Your Abs To Perfection With This Core Training Routine

Avatar photoby Dylan Wolf Published on Apr 23, 2025 Expert verified by Don Saladino

bodybuilding abs
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Get abs of steel with this core ab workout.

If we were to take a poll on what body part gets the most attention in the gym, we’d bet that the answer is likely to be the abs. It’s the first thing women notice on a man, the body part that all men wish to develop because of that fact. There’s no doubting that if you have a great looking core then you’ll be sure to get some heads turning. The core is the foundation for explosive strength and provide a great deal of help while performing resistance training. But how exactly do you get your abs to show?

Obtaining six pack abs is certainly a tall task. Where many believe that doing 300 crunches will get the job done, the reality of the situation is that abdominal exercises provide a strong base, but really have nothing to do with getting your abs to pop. The old saying goes that abs aren’t made in the gym, but made in the kitchen and truer words have never been spoken.

If you want those fabled six pack abs then you’re going to have to work just as hard on your nutrition. But that doesn’t mean you should train to obtain abs of steel. Sure, getting your body fat down will make your abs more visible, but it doesn’t mean they’ll be strong. Check out some of these awesome core ab exercises that are sure to give you strong and developed abs.

Obliques

The abs are more than just the rectus abdominus, most notably referred to as the six pack. They comprise other muscle groups as well, including the obliques. The obliques, inner and outer, are located on the flanks of the torso. There are numerous different ways to build up the obliques and here are a couple of exercises that can work wonders.

Dumbbell Side Bend 3 sets, 10-12 reps (30-75 lbs, left and right sides)
Hanging Knee Raises to Side 3 sets, 12 reps

The key is to not over do it with the reps and weight so that the oblique muscles don’t get considerably large. You want a strong and lean core, not a thick one.

Lower Abs

The lower part of the rectus abdominus must be worked as well to really have the total package. By working the lower portion of the core you can ensure that you’ll get that desired V shape that you crave.

Leg Raises (hanging or lying on back) 3 sets, 15 reps
Knee-Ins 3 sets, 20 reps

Upper Abs

Lastly you should target the upper portion of the abdominal muscle. Attack this portion last as it’s far simpler to engage than the obliques and the lower portion of the abs. Besides that it should already have been worked plenty by the exercises prior. These last exercises will simply add the finishing touch.

Sit Ups 3 sets, 30 reps
Crunches 3 sets, 30 reps

Remember that diet will be the main factor in making your abs pop, but these exercises will ensure that they’ll be as strong as iron.

Do you have a favorite ab routine? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.

Avatar photo

About Dylan Wolf

I work mainly in content writing, focusing my free time on bodybuilding and strength sports. I was introduced to fitness in high school and after watching Generation Iron movies. I love to train. I have competed multiple times, even winning a junior title in classic physique. I have a bachelor's in criminal justice and business obtained through Alvernia University. When I am not focused on work or training, I enjoy watching films or reading about anything and everything.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility