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Exercises for the upper abdominal muscles
Are you in search of targeted exercises for your upper abdominal muscles? Here, we present a wide range of workouts specifically designed to sculpt and strengthen your upper abdominal area. From lying leg raises to weighted crunches, explore top-notch exercises to define and fortify your upper abs.
Exercises for the upper abdominal muscles
Are you interested in targeting your upper abdominal muscles for a defined front of your abdomen? Within this comprehensive compilation, we offer a wide range of effective exercises to strengthen and sculpt your upper abs. Whether it's about sit-ups, crunches, or mountain climbers, there are exercises to suit various needs. Challenge your abdominal muscles!
Dynamic Bicycle Crunches
Bike Crunches get their name from the characteristic movement reminiscent of riding a bicycle. The focus here is on training the side abdominal muscles, while simultaneously engaging the straight abdominal muscles. As you lift one side of the body, there is an alternate movement of the legs. The continuous dynamism makes Bike Crunches more challenging, making them particularly suitable for advanced athletes.
Butterfly crunch with a ball
In Butterfly Crunches with a Ball, the ball serves as additional support. Place it between your legs to maintain the butterfly-like position of the legs. Subsequently, the crunch movement lifts the upper body upward. Due to the minimal equipment required – just a ball – this fitness exercise can be performed anywhere with sufficient space.
Negative crunches on the incline bench
Reverse Crunches on the incline bench are among the more challenging abdominal exercises. On an inclined bench, perform the crunches in reverse. The inclined position requires additional exertion of force. The training effect on the abdomen is significantly greater than with conventional crunches.
V crunches
In V-Crunches, you start in a seated position. The focus is on subsequent training of the straight abdominal muscles. Arms and legs are simultaneously lifted into the air to further intensify the training stimulus.
Hip lift
The Hip Lift exercise focuses on the straight abdominal muscles. The execution of the exercise is done lying on the floor, without any equipment. Lifting the hips creates a targeted training stimulus in the upper abdominal muscles.
Crunches on the crunch machine
For beginners looking to strengthen their abdominal muscles, Crunches on the Crunch Machine are a suitable option. The machine assists in correct movement execution. Since the Crunch Machine is available in most fitness studios, Crunches on the Crunch Machine are often part of beginner training plans.
Crunches with the abdominal trainer device
Crunches with the abdominal trainer device are a straightforward abdominal exercise that can be integrated into every athlete's training program. In this exercise, the abdominal trainer device is used in a lying position, and the crunches are performed in the usual motion.
Spiderman Plank
The fitness exercise Plank with Spiderman is excellent for training both the straight and side abdominal muscles. Additionally, no equipment is required, allowing athletes to perform the exercise anywhere. In the basic plank position, the knees are drawn toward the elbows to create a training stimulus.
Butterfly sit-ups
Butterfly sit-ups are a variation of the sit-ups exercise. In this variation, athletes position their legs differently than in the classic form. The feet touch, and the knees point outward. Those looking for variety in their training can incorporate the butterfly variation into their workout plan. The training stimulus is directed toward the straight abdominal muscles.
Negative sit-ups on the incline bench
This exercise is characterized by a high level of difficulty and is therefore suitable primarily for advanced fitness enthusiasts. However, those with well-developed abdominal muscles can further stimulate the muscles with the negative execution on the incline bench. Negative sit-ups on the incline bench are among the most challenging abdominal fitness exercises.
Ball crunches
With ball crunches, athletes engage in the curving crunch motion while positioned on a stability ball. Those with access to a stability ball can add versatility to their training plan with ball crunches. The upper body is only slightly curved upward, and the training stimulus reaches the upper abdominal muscles as well.