If you’re looking to train your abs, the good news is that there are a huge variety of exercises that will help you achieve that goal. Even if you’re not doing moves that focus on them directly, the location of your abs means that they are worked hard by compound exercises that hit both the upper and lower body. Your core is also key to any exercise in which you have to keep your body stable, such as static holds like the plank or tricky balancing acts like the single-leg Romanian deadlift.

Whether your goal is a six-pack or just a little more definition around your midsection, compound lifts like squats, overhead presses and deadlifts will help get you there, and they’ll build strength all over your body at the same time. That said, there’s also room for more focused abs work too, especially if you have designs on achieving a cover model-style six-pack.

The four-move circuits below provide both isolation exercises and compound moves, and the three options target different areas of your abs to ensure you’re hitting them from every angle. The first workout concentrates on your upper abs, the second focuses on the lower abs, and the final routine works the often neglected side abs – or obliques – along with your deeper core muscles.

Though each circuit works as quick stand-alone abs blast, you can also tack them on to the end of your main training session to ensure your abs are getting the attention they merit.

Gonna highlight the levels again for those who haven’t heard:⠀
LEVEL 1: Beginners / Intermediate (0-3yr) – 45 minute workout max. If you only complete through Level 1, it is still a complete workout!
LEVEL 2: Intermediate / Advanced (3-5yr) – 45-60 minute workout. If you only complete through Level 2, it is still a complete workout!
LEVEL 3: SHREDDER! (5yr+) – 60-90 minute workout. If you complete through Level 3, you’re an ABSOLUTE LEGEND.

Athlete model – Brian DeCosta @briandecosta
– www.briandecosta.com
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– www.youtube.com/user/atsoced14