My 5 best abdominal exercises

When most people think "abs," they think of just the six pack that shows when you are on the beach. But abdominal muscles, also known as "the core," includes the many interconnected muscles that run up the back and stretch down to your glutes and the front and inner thighs. So yes it is important to work your core for total body strength as well as popping those abs out, with a proper diet, of course.

Here are five of my top moves that will keep your daily core workouts interesting and your abdominal's in tip top shape!

HIGH PLANK HOLD WITH KNEE TO ELBOW
This is one of my favorite abdominal exercises. Hold a high plank and bring your right knee up as high as you can reach to your right elbow and hold, move your knee to your left elbow and hold. Alternate side to side for five to 10 reps. Repeat with the left knee.

STIR THE POT PLANK HOLD ON THE BALL
Hold a plank on the ball on your forearms, and keep your back straight and hips tucked under. While holding the plank, make small circles with your arms only about eight to 10 reps, then switch the opposite way.

TRX MOUNTAIN CLIMBER
Hold a high plank with your feet in the TRX. Alternate bringing a knee up as high as you can reach towards your chest. Alternate knees for 20 reps.

BRIDGE WITH OPPOSITE ARM-LEG REACH
Lie face-up with your left knee bent, left foot flat on the floor, and right leg extended toward the ceiling. Reach toward the ceiling with the left arm and keep your right arm down by your side. Without moving your hips or shoulders, open your raised leg to the right and raised arm to the left. Now, concentrating on your abs, return your raised leg and arm to the center. Do 10–12 reps, then switch sides and repeat.

BALL SLAM WITH BURPEES
Use a weighted medicine ball that doesn't bounce (very important), and that is also a challenging weight. Slam the ball down and go down into a burpee. Grab the ball on your way up and slam it down again. Move as fast as possible for six to 10 reps.

Angelique Kronebusch Fitness