8 Functional Exercises to build a Solid Core & Abs of Steel

3. AIR BIKES (NOT THE ASSAULT BIKES)

This variation on the popular crunch will more intensely involve your abs and carve a solid core. To perform this exercise, lie flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and raise your neck towards your chest. Bend your knees and bring them up till they are perpendicular to the floor. Now perform a cycling motion, push your right leg out as you bring your left knee close to your chest. While you do this crunch your waist and twist to the left allowing your right elbow to touch your left knee. Repeat this for the other leg.

2. LEG RAISES / TOES TO BAR

Leg Raises are another great abs and core exercise. To perform this movement, lie flat on your back. Place your hands close to your body with your palms facing down. Raise your legs in a slow controlled manner until they are at a 90-degree angle. Slowly lower your legs back down until they are a few inches from the floor. You can make these much more difficult by doing Hanging Knee Raises from a bar or Strict Toes to Bar instead.