10 Bodypart Training Series: Your Quest At Chiseling Rock-Hard Abs!

Brad Borland
Written By: Brad Borland
December 8th, 2010
Updated: June 13th, 2020
35.9K Reads
A 10 part muscle building super series. Part 5 focuses on building the abs, and includes abs anatomy, exercises and workouts for every need.

Editor's note: Find all 10 articles in this series on the 10 Body Part Training Series Main Page.

One of the most sought-after bodyparts by trainers everywhere is abdominals. It seems everybody wants them, but few have them. Many toil away in the gym with sit-up after sit-up and crunch after crunch only to face sore abs and a declining motivation. Others don’t worry at all about their abs and neglect training them all together. They are many times seen as an after thought, tacked onto the end of a session only to be undertrained with little or no focus.

The abdominal area or midsection comprises of some significant functioning muscles. Not only does the midsection provide core stability and balance, it also aids in other lifts by redirecting pressure and stabilizing the entire trunk. By having the abs strong, the body can put more focus and energy toward a squat for example and hold in the pressure generated much like a weight belt. Next time you are bench pressing flex your abs slightly and keep them tight throughout the lift – you will be surprised at the help you receive from your abs during both portions of the movement.

So not only are the abs a significant factor in actual functioning in regard to other movements in your routines, but they are also play a major role in the game of bodybuilding. A competitive bodybuilder must posses a great set of abs in order to place well. Aesthetically speaking, the mind draws instantly to the abdominal region as they should present a balanced and proportionate physique. A ripped midsection also signifies that the athlete is in superior conditioning and helps to display the coveted V-taper.

Along with a sound eating plan and a comprehensive training regimen sculpted, ripped-up abs can become a reality. Although this article will focus on the actual training regimen, creating an impressive midsection takes a very extensive and bodybuilding-friendly eating component as well. One cannot do countless sit-ups and leg lifts everyday and expect dramatic results. No other bodypart requires such discipline to develop, but once they are uncovered and for all to see they are a sight to behold.

Quick Anatomy Lesson

The muscles of the abdominals comprise of several areas that flex, extend, twist and stabilize the trunk area. They sit on the front sides of the lower torso originating along the ribcage and attaching along the pelvis. Let’s look at each muscle and its function.

Rectus Abdominus

This is the coveted “six-pack” muscle – although it has more than six heads. This muscle flexes the spine and brings the ribcage and pelvis closer together.

Transverse Abdominus

This muscle is a deep muscle of the core which lies beneath the other muscles that is essential for trunk stability.

Internal and External Obliques

These are diagonal muscles that work to rotate the torso and stabilize the abdomen.

Chiseling Action!

Time to make ripped abs a reality.Now that you know a little about anatomy and function, let’s delve into what makes outstanding abdominals. The movements and routines presented are designed to get the most out of each trip to the gym. Remember to always use good form and not to use too much weight to compromise your safety. Remember when performing any abdominal movement be sure to execute each motion (concentric and eccentric) with steadfast control to avoid ballistic-style reps.

Upper Abs

Crunches and Sit-ups: The basic crunch is performed while lying on the floor with your feet flat on the ground, arms either crossed in front of you or hands behind your head and crunching your upper body toward your knees. Your lower back should not come off of the ground, just your upper torso. Crunch your abs and exhale as you come up. Squeeze for a second and then return without taking tension off of the midsection.

For sit-ups assume the same starting position then curl up your entire upper body into your knees. Uncurl and return to the starting position. Try no to use your lower back, instead let your abs curl you up.

Quick hit: There are many forms of the crunch to choose from such as performing them on a flex-ball, feet supported on a bench, and weighted by holding a small weight plate on your chest. Another way to try weighted crunches is to lie on the floor with your head toward a rope attachment on a low pulley and pull the weight up while up crunch. Make sure to hold the ends of the rope on either side of your head when crunching.

A great way to make the sit-up more difficult is to perform them on a decline bench and hold a weight plate on your chest with crossed arms. This would be a bit of a challenge, so try it with a weight you can handle first.

Lower Abs

Leg Raises: The leg raise is performed while lying face up on the ground with your hands slightly out to your sides palms down on the floor for support. With your feet together, lift your legs with a slight bend in the knees until they are just short of perpendicular to the floor. Lower to the starting position without letting your heels touch the floor and repeat.

Quick hit: For a more of a challenge leg raises can be performed on a decline bench. This will require you to raise your legs over a wider range of motion for a more difficult and effective contraction. Hanging leg raises or knee raises are two more alternatives to really hammer the lower abs. While hanging from a chinning bar raise up your legs as in the lying raises and stop when your legs are at parallel with the floor and return. For knee raises bring your knees into you abdominal region until they are past parallel and squeeze. Lower and return as with leg raises.

Obliques

Side Crunches: Lay down on the floor on your side with both hands behind your head - use a foot support if necessary to stabilize your lower body. Crunch up on your side while your hip remains in contact with the floor. Squeeze at the top for a second and then return to the starting position and avoid resting your upper body. Switch sides and repeat.

Quick hit: Side crunches can also be performed on a Roman chair. Simply position yourself with your feet and hip contacting the bench while your upper body is suspended. Perform the movement as above. This version will have those obliques screaming!

Bicycles: As one of the most effective ab exercises out there (especially for the obliques) the bicycle is not only challenging, but when done correctly, can grant you great overall ab development. Lie on the ground with your hands behind your head and your feet slightly off of the ground. Start alternating your elbows to knees. Twist your torso so that your left elbow reaches your right knee and then vice versa. Keep alternating while keeping your shoulders off of the floor. Squeeze the obliques with every contraction.

Quick hit: You can make this movement a bit more challenging and isolate one set of obliques at a time by focusing on one side and then switching over to the other. Just perform all reps for one side then switch and do the allotted number of reps for the other.

Russian Twists: This movement is not for the weak at heart. Seat yourself on a Roman chair or a decline sit-up bench where your upper body is suspended. Hold a weight plate or medicine ball out in front of you with your arms straight. You will begin to twist only your upper torso to one side as far as you can comfortably go then twist to the other. Keep twisting – but keep the movement somewhat at a slow pace. You do not want to jerk the weight around and injure your lumbar in any way.

Quick hit: For those that find it difficult utilizing a weight plate or medicine ball with this movement simply clasp your hands in front of you and perform the exercise as usual. This will build up your strength so you may graduate up to using weight in the future.

Windshield Wipers: To really get to those obliques – especially the lower portion, try windshield wipers. Lie on the ground with your arms out to your sides perpendicular to your torso. Bring your feet together and raise your legs straight up. Now, keeping your legs at 90 degrees to your upper body twist them to the side until they almost touch the floor. Raise them up and twist to the other side slowly. Again, jerking your legs will only make you more susceptible to injury be sure to use good form at a steady pace.

Quick hit: Once you have the basic windshield wiper movement down pat it is time to up the ante. Perform the movement as described above, but now place a small weighted medicine ball between your feet. It is a tough addition, but one that will pay off.

Core

Plank: Utilized as a standard for core strength and development, the plank is not a movement at all. It is a stability exercise used mainly to build the transverse abdominus. Simply assume a standard push-up position except hold yourself up by your elbows instead of your hands. Keep your stomach tight and drawn in slightly to activate your core muscles. Hold this position for 20 to 30 seconds and then rest – this will be counted as one set.

Quick hit: Once you reach a level of several sets of 30 seconds with the plank it is time for a new level. Have a partner place a weight plate (one that is at first light enough to handle) on your upper back to add resistance to the position. This new challenge will add even more strength and stability to your physique.

Side Plank: Much like the plank, the side plank works the core but on either side for lateral stability. With your body straight lie on your side while holding yourself up by you elbow and your feet together. You can place your other arm either straight down your other side or on your waste. Again, hold the position for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat for the other side.

Quick hit: To give you a bit more of a challenge, try switching from a side plank to a normal plank over to another side plank slowly. Be sure to keep the body aligned and perform the movement in a steady, fluid motion.

Dragon Flag: As one of the more difficult movements to master, the dragon flag is the ultimate display in midsection strength! We’ve all watched Rocky do this one. While lying on a flat bench, grasp the sides of the bench by your head or the end above your head. Begin the motion by lifting your body up with only your upper back contacting the bench. While doing your best to keep your body in-line, lift until you are just short of perpendicular to the floor. This is a difficult movement to execute so go slow and try it with short lifts in the beginning if you do not possess the strength at first.

Quick hit: For the ultimate challenge try performing the dragon flag on a decline bench. This will take incredible strength and balance, but once mastered, you know you will have one outstanding set of abs!

Chiseled Abs Schedules

Beginner Abdominal Routine

Intermediate Abdominal Routine

Advanced Abdominal Routine

Advanced Superset Abdominal Routine

9 Comments
daniel
Posted on: Thu, 03/17/2011 - 10:33

how many times a week should u do these workouts?

Brad
Posted on: Fri, 03/18/2011 - 15:57

Hi Daniel,

Twice per week will do well. Three times per week (if you are working hard) should give you great results.

-Brad

Daniel Encinosa
Posted on: Wed, 03/09/2011 - 08:49

How often should I do these work outs in order to see results as quickly as possible?

Brad
Posted on: Fri, 03/25/2011 - 12:04

Hi Daniel,

Twice per week is a good start. After a few weeks you can increase it up to three times per week.

Please remember to give every set intense focus. Also, make sure your diet is sound to strip away body fat.

-Brad
www.WorkoutLab.net

Maurice
Posted on: Sun, 03/06/2011 - 18:05

I tried the intermediate routine yesterday and it hurts so good! Can I use different variations to hit the same areas? I have an issue with the people at my gym using the decline bench as a towel rack.

Brad
Posted on: Fri, 03/25/2011 - 12:10

Ha! Absolutely Maurice! That is the beauty of these programs.

I am so happy you are hurting so good :)

-Brad

www.WorkoutLab.net

Mark
Posted on: Mon, 02/28/2011 - 14:09

Brad,

I'm starting this regime today. I'll let you know about the workout. thanks for the article

-Mark

Brad
Posted on: Tue, 03/01/2011 - 15:11

Hi Mark,

Awesome, thanks!

-Brad

bradb
Posted on: Mon, 01/17/2011 - 11:04

Let me know your feedback, thanks!

-Brad