When it comes to strengthening my core and sculpting those abs, I’ve learned that traditional bodyweight exercises are not the only option. So, I decided to incorporate weights into my ab workout routine to add an extra challenge and take my results to the next level. In this section, let’s explore some amazing weighted ab exercises that engage not only my abdominal muscles but also my entire core.
These weighted exercises really target different parts of my core including the rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscles), obliques (side muscles), transverse abdominis (deep core stabilizers), and even hip flexors. By using weights in these exercises, I can increase resistance which forces my core muscles to work harder and develop greater strength.
I found a wide range of options for these ab exercises – from beginner-friendly movements to more advanced ones – so there’s something for everyone regardless of your fitness level or preferences in equipment. Whether you prefer using dumbbells, medicine balls, stability balls or cables, you’ll definitely find an exercise that suits you!
In this article, our team has carefully curated a list of the best weighted ab exercises that can help me achieve a stronger core while adding variety to my fitness routine. So let’s dive right in!
Renegade Row
The Renegade Row is an excellent exercise for targeting not only your abs but also your back, shoulders, and arms. This compound movement engages multiple muscle groups, making it a great addition to any core workout routine.
To perform the Renegade Row, start in a high plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders and holding onto two dumbbells or kettlebells. Engage your core to maintain a straight line from head to toe.
Begin by lifting one dumbbell off the ground while keeping your body stable and preventing any rotation or sagging in the hips. Make sure to keep your elbow tight to your side as you row the weight up toward the ribcage.
Lower the dumbbell back down under control and repeat on the other side. Aim for 8-12 reps per side, focusing on proper form and maintaining stability through the entire movement.
The Renegade Row challenges not only your abdominal muscles but also targets those hard-to-reach obliques while providing added resistance through weights. As you progress with this exercise, consider increasing the weight used or incorporating variations such as alternating rows or adding a push-up between each row for an added challenge.
Low-to-High Wood Chop
The Low-to-High Wood Chop is an awesome and exciting ab workout that really targets those core muscles while also getting your upper body involved. It’s like you’re chopping wood, but in a diagonal way from low to high.
To do the Low-to-High Wood Chop, all you need is a weight or resistance band. Here’s how I do it:
- First, I stand with my feet shoulder-width apart and hold the weight with both hands.
- Then, I start with the weight at hip level on one side of my body.
- As I exhale, I engage my core and twist my torso diagonally across my body while lifting the weight up towards the opposite shoulder.
- Throughout the whole movement, I make sure to keep my arms straight and stay in control.
- When I’m done with that awesome twist, I take a deep breath in as I bring the weight back down to hip level.
I love that the Low-to-High Wood Chop really focuses on working out my obliques, six-pack muscles (the rectus abdominis), shoulders, and hips. And it doesn’t just give me ripped abs – it also helps improve my overall rotational strength and stability.
Here are some of the great benefits of incorporating the Low-to-High Wood Chop into your workout routine:
- It makes your core muscles stronger: The cool diagonal movement activates lots of different muscles in your core!
- It enhances your ability to move around without losing balance: When you do this exercise regularly, it improves how well your upper and lower body work together for better stability during activities like twisting or throwing stuff.
- It boosts power generation: By engaging multiple muscle groups at once, this exercise can help you become more explosive.
So why not give this killer weighted ab exercise a try? Trust me – when you add it to your workouts, you’ll build a strong core and improve your overall fitness like never before!
Seated Russian Twist
The Seated Russian Twist is an incredible weighted ab exercise that specifically targets your obliques and enhances core strength. It’s a versatile exercise suitable for both beginners and advanced individuals who are keen to push their abdominal muscles a little further.
To perform the Seated Russian Twist, start by seating yourself on the floor with your knees bent and feet firmly planted on the ground. Grab hold of either a dumbbell or a medicine ball, clutching it close to your chest. Lean back just slightly while ensuring your back remains straight, all while activating those core muscles.
Now, gradually twist your torso in one direction while keeping your hips facing forward undisturbed. Carry the weight across your body until it brushes against the ground next to you; then simply reverse the motion and twist towards the opposite side. Remember, it’s crucial to maintain control throughout this movement by fully engaging not just your abs but also those oblique muscles.
What Are Some Awesome Benefits of Doing the Seated Russian Twist?
- You will target and define those wonderful oblique muscles.
- Your spine will experience an improved range of motion when rotating.
- Your stability and balance will be greatly enhanced.
- By incorporating multiple muscle groups into this exercise simultaneously, you can expect an extremely effective workout.
What Should You Keep in Mind While Performing the Seated Russian Twist?
- Begin with lighter weights initially; as you grow more comfortable with this movement, slowly increase them.
- Always maintain a neutral spine position throughout – very important!
- Exhale when twisting to engage those deep abdominal muscles even more intensely.
- Instead of focusing on speed or momentum, emphasize controlled movements instead.
Remember to include this weighted ab exercise into your regular routine so that you may attain a stronger core along with beautifully defined abdominals!
Overhead Reach With Leg Lower
One effective weighted ab exercise that targets both your upper and lower abs is the Overhead Reach with Leg Lower. This exercise not only helps build core strength but also improves stability and coordination. By combining a reaching motion with a leg lowering movement, you engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously.
The Overhead Reach with Leg Lower is performed by lying flat on your back while holding a weight directly over your chest with both hands. From this position, you extend one leg straight up towards the ceiling as the opposite arm reaches overhead. Then, you slowly lower the extended leg towards the floor while simultaneously lowering the reaching arm beside your head.
This exercise engages your rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and hip flexor muscles. The added resistance from holding a weight increases the intensity of the workout and further challenges your core muscles.
To get started with Overhead Reach with Leg Lower, select an appropriate weight dumbbell or kettlebell. Begin with lower weights if you are new to this exercise or gradually increase as you gain strength and familiarity.
Remember to focus on maintaining control throughout each repetition and use smooth, controlled movements rather than swinging or jerking motions to maximize its effectiveness.
Plank and Rotate
Looking to engage your core and work multiple muscle groups at once? Look no further than the Plank and Rotate exercise. This challenging move combines the stability of the plank position with a rotational movement, targeting your abs, obliques, and lower back.
To do the Plank and Rotate:
- Start in a traditional plank position by resting on your forearms and forming a straight line from head to toe.
- Engage your core muscles by pulling your belly button toward your spine.
- Keep your hips level as you lift one arm off the ground and rotate towards that side, reaching for the ceiling.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
- Alternate sides for a set number of reps or time duration.
For an added challenge, grab some weights like dumbbells or kettlebells. By increasing resistance, you’ll build strength not only in your core muscles but also in other stabilizing muscles throughout your body.
The benefits of this exercise extend beyond just muscular strength. It improves stability, posture, balance, coordination, and flexibility. To maximize these benefits while minimizing injury risk, ensure you maintain proper form throughout each repetition.
Incorporating the Plank and Rotate into Your Routine
To fully reap its rewards, add this exercise to your abdominal workout routine. Mix it up with other moves such as weighted leg raises or Russian twists that target various areas of your core for a well-rounded workout.
If you’re new to this exercise or using weights in general, start with lighter ones to prioritize proper form over heavy loads. As you become more comfortable with each movement pattern, gradually increase weight.
Don’t forget to include different plank variations like weighted stability ball exercises, weighted cable crunches, and weighted decline crunches for a comprehensive core workout. By adding variety to your routine, you can effectively target all areas of your core.
Consistency and dedication will pay off when it comes to the Plank and Rotate exercise. Get ready to develop a stronger, more stable core while boosting your overall fitness level.
Standing Weighted Twist
The standing weighted twist is a powerful ab exercise that targets your obliques and strengthens your core. This exercise requires a weighted stability ball to add resistance to the movement.
To perform the standing weighted twist: 1. Start by standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. 2. Hold the weighted stability ball in both hands, positioning it in front of your chest. 3. Engage your core muscles and maintain an upright posture throughout the exercise. 4. Twist your torso to one side while keeping your hips stationary. 5. Pause briefly at the end of the twist before returning to the starting position. 6. Repeat on the opposite side, twisting through your core and maintaining control of the weight.
By incorporating this exercise into your workout routine, you’ll challenge and strengthen not only your ab muscles but also improve overall balance and stability.
Remember, it’s important to choose a weight that challenges you without sacrificing proper form or risking injury. Start with lighter weights if you’re a beginner and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the movement.
In addition to building strength, incorporating weighted exercises like this into your training regimen can help boost calorie burn and assist in increasing muscle definition for a stronger physique overall.
So if you’re looking for an effective way to work out those obliques while adding variety to your ab routine, give the standing weighted twist a try!
Overhead Circle
The overhead circle is a challenging weighted ab exercise that targets your core muscles, particularly the obliques. This exercise requires good stability and control to perform correctly.
To do the overhead circle, follow these steps:
- Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a weight plate or dumbbell with both hands extended overhead.
- Engage your core muscles and maintain an upright posture throughout the movement.
- Slowly rotate your upper body in a circular motion, moving the weight plate or dumbbell clockwise around your head.
- Complete several repetitions in one direction before changing to a counterclockwise rotation.
By performing this exercise, you will engage not only your abdominal muscles but also your shoulders and back as stabilizing muscles.
Tips for performing the overhead circle:
- Start with a lighter weight until you’re comfortable with the movement pattern.
- Keep the movement controlled and avoid swinging or jerking motions.
- Maintain proper form and alignment throughout the exercise.
- Breathe regularly and focus on engaging your core muscles.
Incorporate the overhead circle into your ab workout routine to build strength and sculpted abs. Remember to consult with a fitness professional before starting any new exercises, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or injuries.
Leaning Camel
Are you eager to develop a stronger core? Look no further than the Leaning Camel, one of the best-weighted ab exercises available. With its ability to target both your abdominal muscles and obliques, this exercise is a great choice for anyone seeking to tone their midsection!
To perform the Leaning Camel, simply begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and clutching a weighted dumbbell in one hand. Throughout the movement, remember to maintain proper form by keeping your back straight and engaging your core. Take your time as you gradually lean towards one side while sliding the weight down towards your knee. Truly focus on contracting those oblique muscles as you lower into the stretch. Before returning to the starting position, pause for just a few seconds.
It’s important to note that performing this exercise correctly is crucial for avoiding strain or injury. As such, be mindful not to lean too far or twist excessively during each repetition.
By incorporating weighted ab exercises into your routine, you can effectively challenge and strengthen your core muscles. Adding resistant weights stimulates greater muscle growth and definition specifically within your abs.
So why not shake up your fitness routine with a unique yet highly effective approach? Give the Leaning Camel exercise a try! You’ll be amazed at how it targets those hard-to-reach areas of your abdomen while helping you bring forth a stronger and more sculpted midsection. Not only does it provide excellent results but it also brings some welcomed excitement compared to traditional ab exercises, fueling motivation throughout your fitness journey.
Be sure to check out here Leaning Camel if you’re interested in learning how exactly this incredible exercise can help transform your core strength!
Plank With Dumbbell Pull-Through
The Plank With Dumbbell Pull-Through is an amazing weighted ab exercise that specifically targets my core muscles and amps up my overall core strength. This exercise isn’t just about working those abs, it also activates my back, shoulders, and arms.
To get started, I hop into the classic plank position with my forearms resting on the floor and my body forming a nice straight line. Then, I carefully place two dumbbells slightly wider than shoulder-width apart in a parallel fashion. Now comes the fun part – with grace and control, I slide one hand under my torso to grab one of those dumbbells and skillfully pull it through to the other side of my body. And guess what? I repeat this action on both sides for as many reps as I desire.
This move really puts me to the test by challenging not only my stability but also strengthening my entire core from top to bottom. It engages all those sought-after muscles like the rectus abdominis (hello six-pack!), obliques (side abs), transverse abdominis (the deep buddies that support great posture), and even those lower back muscles.
But wait! There’s more! When I add weights into the mix, things get real intense because now I’m tapping into more muscle fibers within my core. This leads to some seriously fantastic benefits like improved core stability (thank you balance gods!), better posture that turns heads wherever I go, enhanced functional strength (I can tackle anything life throws at me), plus less risk of getting hurt when doing awesome activities.
By incorporating the Plank With Dumbbell Pull-Through into my regular ab workout routine, not only can I achieve a hardcore strong core that everyone will envy but also give a major boost to how athletic I am overall. Just remember folks – always keep good form in mind throughout this exercise and engage every section of your incredible core for maximum results!
Wall Ball Sit-Ups
Looking to take your ab workout to the next level? Look no further than the exhilarating Wall Ball Sit-Up. This unique exercise infuses traditional sit-ups with an extra punch: the resistance of a medicine ball. Get ready to ignite your upper and lower abdominals, boost core strength, enhance stability, and achieve that coveted abdominal definition.
To perform Wall Ball Sit-Ups, position yourself on the floor against a sturdy wall. Bend your knees at a perfect 90-degree angle and firmly grasp a medicine ball or any weighted object close to your chest. Now, engage those powerful core muscles! Lift your torso from the ground while simultaneously extending your arms forward and launching the medicine ball toward the wall with gusto. Catch its energetic rebound and repeat this invigorating motion for as many reps as you desire.
This exercise is not for the faint of heart—it demands more than just toned abs! You’ll need coordination, balance, and explosiveness for proper execution. The added weight provides delightful challenges to both your upper body and lower body muscles, amplifying recruitment of those hardworking ab muscles.
By incorporating Wall Ball Sit-Ups into your workout routine, you can effectively target every nook and cranny of those abs from various angles while experiencing an outstanding full-body workout sensation. Remember: start with lighter weights to ensure proper form and gradually increase both weight load and intensity as you progress along this exciting fitness journey.
Ditch those standard ab exercises today—embrace change, embrace results! Add Wall Ball Sit-Ups into your regimen for optimal outcomes that will leave you breathless yet triumphant!
Dumbbell Crossover Punch
The dumbbell crossover punch is a fantastic exercise that targets not only my abs but also my shoulders, chest, and arms. This exercise imitates the motion of throwing a punch while gripping dumbbells, adding resistance to engage and strengthen my core muscles even more.
To perform this effective workout: 1. I stand with my feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell in each hand at chest level. 2. I extend my left arm forward, rotating from the shoulder as if I’m throwing a punch across my body. 3. As I bring back my left arm, I simultaneously extend my right arm forward in the same punching motion. 4. I continue alternating sides with controlled movements, focusing on engaging my core throughout.
By incorporating this beneficial ab exercise into my routine, not only do I work on developing a stronger core but also improve upper body strength and overall stability. It’s important to remember to start with lighter weights or no weights at all if you’re new to this exercise and gradually increase the weight as you feel comfortable with the movement.
Medicine-Ball Slam
The Medicine-Ball Slam is a highly effective exercise for targeting your core muscles and developing power and explosiveness. This exercise not only works your abs, but also engages your arms, shoulders, and legs for a full-body workout.
To perform the Medicine-Ball Slam:
- Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
- Hold a medicine ball in both hands at chest level.
- Extend your arms overhead as you raise onto the balls of your feet.
- Explosively slam the medicine ball down to the ground in front of you, using force from your entire body.
- As you slam the ball down, engage your core by contracting your abs and exhaling forcefully.
- Catch the ball on its rebound or pick it up from the ground and repeat.
When performing this exercise, focus on generating power from your hips and engaging your core muscles throughout the movement. Aim for a controlled yet explosive motion as you slam the ball down.
Incorporating Medicine-Ball Slams into your ab workout routine can provide variety and intensity to challenge your core muscles in new ways. Combine it with other weighted abdominal exercises like weighted sit-ups or weighted oblique exercises to create a comprehensive strength training routine that targets all aspects of core stability.
Remember to start with an appropriate weight medicine ball for beginners and gradually increase as you build strength over time.
Rotational Ball Slam With Lunge
The Rotational Ball Slam with Lunge is a dynamic exercise that targets your core muscles while also engaging your legs and upper body. This exercise combines the explosive movement of the ball slam with the challenging lunge position, giving you a full-body workout.
To perform this exercise, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and hold a weighted medicine ball in both hands at chest level. Take a step forward with one foot and lower into a lunge position, keeping your front knee directly over your ankle. As you descend into the lunge, rotate your torso to the side opposite to your front leg and slam the medicine ball down forcefully on the ground outside of that leg.
As you lift back up from the lunge, explosively pick up the medicine ball off the ground and return to starting position. Repeat on the other side, alternating lunges and rotations.
This exercise not only builds strength in your core muscles but also improves stability, balance, and coordination. The rotational movement engages your obliques and deep abdominal muscles while toning your legs and improving overall athletic performance.
To increase intensity, choose a heavier medicine ball or increase repetitions. Remember to maintain proper form throughout – keep your back straight, engage your core muscles, and land softly into each lunge for maximum effectiveness.
Add Rotational Ball Slam With Lunge to your workout routine for an effective total body workout that will challenge both strength and stability!
Coordination Fly
The Coordination Fly is one of my go-to exercises for working out my abs. This awesome move targets your core muscles, boosts coordination, and improves overall stability. Plus, it’s super fun to do!
If you want to try the Coordination Fly, here’s how you can do it:
- First, lie flat on your back and stretch out your arms above your head. Grab a lightweight dumbbell or medicine ball to add some resistance.
- Now comes the exciting part! Lift both your legs and upper body off the ground at the same time while bringing the weight towards the center of your body.
- Remember to keep your arms straight and parallel throughout this movement—it’s like mimicking a fly’s wings!
- Finally, slowly lower yourself back down to where you started.
This exercise requires some serious coordination between lifting your legs and upper body while keeping control of every movement. And if you really want to challenge yourself, try adding weights into the mix! It’ll not only strengthen your core but also put your balance and coordination skills to the test.
Overall, the Coordination Fly is an amazing way to work multiple muscle groups all at once. It gives you a well-rounded workout that enhances core stability and strength—something we all strive for! So don’t forget to give it a shot in your next routine for that extra variety and maximum results.
Reverse Lunge With Twist
The reverse lunge with twist is a great exercise that targets various muscle groups like the core, legs, and obliques. This exercise not only strengthens my abs but also improves my balance and coordination.
Here’s how I perform the reverse lunge with twist:
- First, I stand tall with my feet hip-width apart.
- Next, I take a step backward using my right foot and lower my body into a lunge position. My front knee should be bent at a 90-degree angle, right above my ankle.
- While lowering myself into the lunge, I simultaneously rotate my torso towards the left side.
- To engage my core even more, I aim to bring my left elbow towards the outside of my right knee.
- Pausing for a moment in this twisted position is important.
- To get back to the starting position, I push through my front heel and bring both feet back together.
- Now, it’s time to repeat the movement on the other side by lunging back with my left foot while twisting to the right.
I can choose to do this exercise using just body weight or make it more challenging by holding onto a dumbbell or kettlebell for added resistance. Adding weights increases the intensity of this exercise and really works those core muscles.
It’s crucial to remember proper form throughout the entire movement and exhale as I twist during each repetition.
For optimal results in strengthening and sculpting those abdominal muscles, I incorporate reverse lunges with twists into routine workouts two to three times per week!
V-Sit With Single-Arm Chest Fly
The V-Sit with Single-Arm Chest Fly is an excellent exercise that targets not only your abdominal muscles but also your chest and shoulders. This compound movement helps to strengthen and tone multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it a great addition to any core workout routine.
To perform the V-Sit with Single-Arm Chest Fly, follow these steps:
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
- Hold a dumbbell in one hand with an overhand grip.
- Lean back slightly while keeping your back straight and engage your core.
- Extend both arms straight out in front of you at shoulder level.
- Lift your legs off the ground, bringing them up towards your chest while balancing on your sit bones.
- As you hold this V position, open the arm holding the dumbbell out to the side in a fly motion until it is parallel to the floor.
- Slowly return to starting position and repeat for desired number of reps.
- Switch sides and repeat the exercise with the opposite arm.
By performing this exercise regularly, you will develop core strength, improve balance, and enhance overall stability. Remember to start with lighter weights if you’re new to this exercise or gradually increase weight as you become more comfortable and stronger.
Benefits of V-Sit With Single-Arm Chest Fly:
- Targets multiple muscle groups including abs, chest, and shoulders
- Builds core strength and stability
- Improves balance
- Enhances upper body strength
- Increases functional fitness
Incorporate this challenging yet rewarding exercise into your workout routine for a stronger core and improved overall fitness levels!
Standing Side Bend
The Standing Side Bend is an amazing exercise that specifically targets the muscles in your obliques and strengthens your core. This exercise becomes even more challenging and effective when you incorporate weights.
To perform the Standing Side Bend, just follow these steps:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grab a dumbbell in one hand.
- Keep your back straight, engage your core, and maintain proper posture throughout the entire movement.
- Slowly tilt to the side while holding the weight, focusing on contracting those oblique muscles of yours.
- Go back to the starting position and repeat the same process on the other side.
Incorporating weights into this exercise adds an extra layer of difficulty, which in turn increases muscle activation in your obliques. The resistance provided by the weights pushes your oblique muscles to work harder, resulting in improved strength and definition.
By including weighted exercises like the Standing Side Bend in your ab workout routine, you’ll not only achieve a stronger core but also enhance stability and balance. Don’t forget to start off with lighter weights at first and gradually increase them as you get more comfortable with this exercise.
So why not give this weighted ab exercise a try? Trust me, it’s worth it! Your obliques will definitely thank you for it!
Lying Overhead Reach
The lying overhead reach is an incredible weighted ab exercise that specifically targets the upper abs while also strengthening your core. It’s a must-have in any effective ab workout routine.
To get started with the lying overhead reach, simply lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet planted firmly on the ground. Hold a dumbbell or weight plate in both hands directly above your chest, extending your arms towards the ceiling. This will be your starting position.
Now it’s time to engage those core muscles! Lower the weight slowly behind your head while keeping your arms straight. Throughout this movement, maintain tension in your abs to ensure proper form and maximum activation of those targeted muscles. Once you feel a comfortable stretch, use your core strength to bring the weight back up to where you started.
Let me share some helpful tips to ensure you’re performing this exercise with proper form:
- Keep that lower back pressed firmly into the floor during every rep to maintain stability.
- Control both the downward and upward motions of each repetition, focusing on engaging and contracting those abdominal muscles.
- Remember to take deep breaths throughout each rep to keep oxygen flowing effectively through those hardworking muscles.
By incorporating lying overhead reaches into my weighted ab workout routine, I have noticed significant improvements in my overall core strength, posture, and functional fitness. If you’re new to this exercise, start off light and gradually increase resistance as you become more comfortable and confident with maintaining proper form.
Now that we’ve explored this incredible weighted ab exercise for targeting those upper abs, let’s dive into another challenging movement: side bends!
Side Bends
Get Stronger and Sculpt Your Waist with Side Bends
If you’re looking to rock a strong and defined core, then side bends should definitely be on your workout schedule. These exercises specifically target the oblique muscles, which are located at the sides of your waist. By including weighted side bends in your ab routine, you’ll effectively strengthen and tone those muscles.
To perform side bends, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Grab a weight in one hand and keep your spine nice and straight. Gently lean to the side while holding the weight, feeling a contraction in your obliques as you do so. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
The beauty of adding weights to this exercise is that it adds resistance and really amps up its impact on your obliques. Feel free to use dumbbells or any other comfortable weighted object you have lying around.
Here are some awesome benefits that come from doing weighted side bends as part of your core-strengthening routine:
- Superior Stability: Side bends go beyond just working out those obliques; they also engage other key muscles like quadratus lumborum and erector spinae. By strengthening these muscles through weighted side bends, you’ll significantly improve overall core stability.
- Rockstar Posture: A strong core not only helps you look great but also supports healthy posture by keeping your spine aligned.
- Ready for Action: When you develop strong obliques via exercises like side bends with weights, you’re giving yourself an advantage in accomplishing daily activities or sports with better form.
So how about incorporating 3 sets of 12-15 reps of weighted side bends into your weekly workout routine? You’ll see amazing results as you build a stronger core and achieve that sculpted waistline everyone dreams of having!
High Knees
High Knees are an incredible exercise that targets my abs while giving me a solid cardiovascular workout. This exercise effectively engages multiple muscles in my core, including my lower abs, obliques, and hip flexors.
To get started with High Knees, I simply stand upright with my feet hip-width apart. Then, I lift one knee up towards my chest while keeping the opposite foot on the ground. As I lower that knee down, I immediately raise the other knee up towards my chest. It’s like running on the spot but with exaggerated knee lifts!
During this dynamic exercise, it is crucial for me to maintain proper posture and engage my core muscles throughout the movement. By keeping my abs tight and aiming to bring each knee as high as possible, I maximize the benefits of High Knees.
If I want to take things up a notch and really challenge myself, adding weights to this exercise is an excellent idea. Whether it’s holding dumbbells or wearing ankle weights, introducing resistance forces my core muscles to work even harder in order to stabilize my body.
Incorporating High Knees into my regular ab workout routine not only strengthens and tones my abs but also enhances overall endurance. It’s cool how starting with just bodyweight High Knees allows me to gradually progress by incorporating weights as I become more confident and stronger in executing this exercise.
Next time I’m in search of an effective ab workout that gets both my heart racing and muscles burning, weighted High Knees will definitely be at the top of my list!
Eddie Johnson is an ex-bodybuilder, fitness addict, writer, editor and founder of Anabolic Bodies. Also a proud father of two boys and passionate about bodybuilding, nutrition, and the science behind modern-day supplementation.