The 3 Best Ab Exercises are not What you Think

As a trainer, nutrition specialist, and fitness professional, I frequently get asked “what are the best ab exercises for losing stubborn stomach fat”. The problem is most people with stomach fat looking to uncover their abs are searching for some "miracle abdominal workout" that is going to melt the fat off their abs in no time.

Rather telling my readers to use the typical routines that we see so often with situps, leg lifts, crunches, ab machines, etc… I like to provide my readers highly effective high intensity workouts that workout their entire body, boost their metabolism while also working their abs.

I’m going to show you today one of my favorite abdominal workouts that does not include any direct ab exercises and will provide high intensity producing getter results. This particular workout is in a tri-set format (very similar to super-set exercises but alternating between three exercises).

Let’s get started:

1. Renegade Dumbbell Rows

2. Front Squats with Barbell

3. Mountain Climbers on Floor

Here is a good structure of how to build your workout. You want to keep your repetitions between 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps for each exercise, or more sets with less reps, such as 5 sets of 6 reps for each exercise. Use time intervals (such as 30 seconds) instead of reps for Mountain Climbers.

Renegade dumbbell rows are one of my favorite ab exercises and works very well when preformed correctly. The correct way to perform this exercise is to get a set of dumbbells. You will position your hands on the dumbbells and start in the pushup position. Next, you will row one dumbbell forward while stabilizing your body with the opposite arm. Forcing your body to stabilize during the row creates an incredible workout for your entire midsection core area. You’ll really feel it in your abs…trust me!

Front squats with a barbell is mostly a leg exercise that also produces a highly effective ab workout at the same time…you’ll feel this one in the abs big time! Front squats are performed similar to back squats. The difference is you will be resting the barbell in front of your body rather then your upper back as in back squats. You begin by stabilizing the barbell on your shoulders by crossing your arms and pushing your fists against the bar while keeping your elbows out in front of your body. Due to supporting the weight in front of your body you may want to start lighter and seek a professional trainer at your gym to help you with your form. This takes a little practice at first so take it slow and focus using good form. Front squats require extreme stabilization strength from the abs due to the weight being shifted to the front of the body. This is key to achieving a high intensity ab work.

Mountain climbers are preformed by starting in the pushup position and then moving your feet in and out alternating the left and right so that your knees are moving in under your chest and back to the starting position. This movement resembles climbing a mountain and will help increase your heart rate and metabolism. If you feel these are to easy and want an advanced version, you can shuffle your hands 8-10 inches forward and backward during the leg movements. Adding the additional body movements makes this a full body workout and MUCH more difficult.

After you finish each exercise, rest about 30 seconds before beginning the next exercise. Between each “tri-set” rest about 1-2 minutes before repeating.

I have just given you one of the best ab workouts you have ever had without doing any direct ab exercises and at the same time you have exercised your entire body. Give it a try and you will see what I mean after you try it!