8 Best Calisthenics Ab Exercises for a Sculpted Core

The hanging leg raise is an exercise suitable for individuals at an advanced level that targets the rectus abdominus and the obliques [1].

How to do this exercise:

1. Stand beneath a pull-up bar and reach up to hold it with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder length.
2. Bring your feet together and flex your core.
3. Slowly raise your legs in front of you as high as possible while keeping them straight.
4. Hold the top position for three seconds.
5. Slowly bring your legs back down to return to the starting position.
6. Continue performing the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

3. V-Snaps

V-snaps target the external and internal obliques and the rectus abdominus (commonly called the six-pack abs) [2].

To do this exercise:

1. Lie flat on the ground with your arm straight by your side and your legs together.
2. Squeeze your abdominal muscles and use your core strength to lift your torso and legs off the floor. Your body should form a V-shape, and pointing your toes should help keep your legs straight.
3. Hold this position for thirty seconds.

“When you lift, your arms should stay parallel to the ground as they were at your sides. You should not point your fingers to your toes, rather your arms should stay parallel to the floor as you lift.”

- Elizabeth Quinn, Exercise Physiologist

Performing reverse crunches primarily works to target the lower abs.

How to do this exercise: 

1. Lie on your back on the floor. Keep your legs extended in front of you, your toes pointed at the ceiling, and your arms stretched out alongside your body.
2. Bend your knees and lift your legs until your calves are parallel to the ground, forming a 90-degree angle with your thighs.
3. Engage your core muscles and slowly pull your knees as close as possible to your face while keeping your hips on the ground.
4. Raise your knees toward the ceiling and lift your hips and lower back off the floor.
5. Pause briefly and slowly lower your hips back to the starting position, using a smooth, controlled motion throughout the movement.
6. Repeat the exercise for 15 reps.

5. Sit-Ups

This exercise hits multiple muscle groups, including the transverse abdominus, rectus abdominus, and obliques.

How to perform this exercise:

1. Lay on the floor with your knees bent and feet firmly placed on the floor about hip-width apart to stabilize your lower body.
2. Place your hands behind your head. Avoid pulling on your neck throughout this exercise.
3. Exhale as you lift your upper body to your knees.
4. Slowly enhale as you return to the starting position once you reach the top.
5. Repeat the movement until all fifteen repetitions are completed.

This is a classic calisthenics exercise that targets the rectus abdominus.

To do this exercise:

1. Get in a quadruped position with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips.
2. Extend your right leg behind you and point your toe toward the floor.
3. Reach your left arm out in front of you simultaneously as you raise your right while keeping your body aligned.
4. Hold for a few breaths before returning to the starting position.
5. Switch sides and repeat for fifteen reps.

“Test your stability by placing a paper cup that’s empty or full of water on your pelvis. Try to keep the cup from falling or spilling. If it falls or spills, engage your lower abs to stabilize your body. You can also place a light bar or foam roller across your shoulders to make sure they’re parallel to the floor.”

- Emily Cronkleton, Certified Yoga Teacher

7. Ab Wheel Rollout

This exercise allows you to target the rectus abdominis and the transverse abdominus, which help achieve the highly desired “six-pack abs.”

How to perform this exercise:

1. Kneel in front of your ab wheel and place your hands on the handles.
2. Position your shoulders above the wheel while keeping your back flat.
3. Engage your core muscles and lift your feet off the ground.
4. Let the ab wheel roll in front of you, bringing your hands in front of your shoulders.
5. Pull the ab wheel to the starting position by pressing your arms and shoulders down into the floor.

The Hollow body hold is an isometric exercise that engages the transverse abdominus and rectus abdominis [3].

How to do this exercise:

1. Lay on your back on the floor.
2. Lift your knees at slightly more than a 90-degree angle.
3. Extend your hands over your shoulders so they’re pointing at the ceiling.
4. Lift your head off the floor.
5. Hold this position for thirty seconds while squeezing your core muscles.

“Don’t fall into the trap of tucking your chin to your chest. Not only does this take the neck out of neutral alignment and increase the risk of neck strain, but it also reduces the tension on your core muscles.”

- Sara Lindberg, Health & Fitness Coach

Avoid doing the same core exercises repeatedly, as this can eventually lead to a plateau, where your body no longer experiences the benefits of your workout routine.

To avoid this, keep challenging yourself by exploring new exercises or using progressive overload techniques (adding reps and sets to your current exercises).

3. Include Cardio Sessions

While focusing on targeted ab exercises is certainly important, don't neglect cardiovascular exercises.

Adding one to two weekly cardio sessions can significantly aid in shedding unwanted fat layers, revealing your toned abs. 

4. Maintain a Calorie Deficit

It’s essential to maintain a calorie deficit to achieve visible abs.

No matter how much you exercise, if you're consuming more calories than you're burning, you won't be able to achieve the results you're hoping for.

Make sure your body is fueled with the proper nutrients to support muscle growth.

Foods such as turkey, beef, fish, eggs, and protein shakes, are all great options for getting the protein your body needs.

6. Establish a Good Muscle-Mind Connection

Focus your mental energy on the specific muscle you want to work, whether it's your upper abs or lower abs, you can help activate it more effectively.

While it's easier to feel the upper abs contracting during exercises like crunches, the lower abs and obliques may require more attention and practice.

7. Focus on Quality of Movement

When it comes to your calisthenics ab workout, simply pumping out endless repetitions with a sky-high training volume won't necessarily yield the best results. Instead, focus on perfecting your form first and perform the exercises in a slow, controlled manner.

8. Optimize Your Posture

Proper posture is crucial when it comes to performing calisthenics workouts.

Not only does it help activate your core, but it can also prevent injuries that may occur as a result of improper form.