Lower ab exercises should be part of any workout routine.

Discover the most effective options for sculpting and strengthening this area.

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Theyre the hardest to access because ourhip flexors often take over.

woman sweating in the gym

certified personal trainer and Tonal strength coach

Essentially, we let our bigger, stronger hip flexors do the work.

Why is it important to strengthen your lower abs?

They help with overall stability and strength, too.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Lower ab strength can even make sex better.

Lower ab strength also fortifies your pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible forcontracting during an orgasm.

Strong abs and stronger orgasms?

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Now thats a win-win.

Essentially, you have to consciously activate your core for get the most out of lower abs toning exercises.

Thats just one of a few tips worth keeping in mind while working out your lower abs.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

certified personal trainer and Tonal strength coach

What risks or safety considerations should you be aware of when doing lower ab exercises?

It goes beyond simply engaging your core, though.

This creates a counteractive force against the pull of the lower abdominals.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Its also a great way to add lower back muscular conditioning into your daily routine.

Targeting the lower abs can be super challenging if youre not being intentional with your movements, she explains.

Because of this, Vesco says its important to ease into incorporating targeted abdominal training into your routine.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

Warm up your core before actively starting any lower abdominal shaping.

Start with the drawing-in maneuver, which will help develop core stabilization and support from the deep abdominal muscles.

How can I prevent neck strain while doing lower ab exercises?

Not sure youre holding tension in your neck and jaw?

Its a nice reminder to relax, she says.

How often should I do lower ab workouts?

As with any muscle group, its important tonot overwork your lower absthey need time to rest and repair.

That said, dont let days off distract you from the bigger picture.

You will see results even if youre performing these exercises a few times a week, DeGroot says.

Remember, these variables will all depend on your specific training goals and current strength level.

When starting out, aim to perform these exercises every other day, incorporated with your current exercise regimen.

The best trainer-approved lower ab exercises you’ve got the option to do

1.

Reverse crunch

This ones a classic, and theres a reason its in every ab class ever.

To supercharge the move, Poulin suggests shooting your feet up toward the curling.

This will allow you to get the most of the lower abs toning exercise.

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If you want to get extra sweaty, slow things down.

The slower you move the more challenging it will be, Vesco says.

Butterfly sit-up

Every abdominal fitness routine should include the butterfly sit-up.

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Hanging leg raises

When it comes to deep core exercises, hanging leg raises are a great pick.

The move works your entire midsection, lower abs included.

Its almost a circular motion rather than an up-and-down motion.

Thats whyLEKfitfounderLauren Klebanconsiders it her go-to.

This move forces you to pull in and up from the lower core specifically, she says.

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6.

Horizontal leg lifts

The leg lift is one of the best lower ab exercises for beginners.

But Los Angeles-based celebrity trainerChase Weberprefers the horizontal variety, which targets the area even more.

How to perform horizontal leg lifts with proper form

9.

Bicycle crunches

Get ready to target your entire core with this lower ab exercise for beginners.

Bosu ball abs

If youre looking for more core stabilization exercises, grab a bosu ball.

Aside from helping with lower abdominal shaping, it also targets your obliques.

Youre sure to feel the burn.

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14.

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15.

Tap, tap, tap

Perezs go-to exercise for targeted abdominal training?

Its a fun move to add into your core muscle workouts.

Especially a heavy lift, she says.

FAQ

1.

What are the best lower ab exercises?

For a full list of options to add to your workout routine, check out our picks above.

Are there effective lower ab exercises for beginners?

you could also tryPilates for low abs,wall abs, and evenwalking for abs.

How long does it take to see results from lower ab workouts?

Building muscle takes time, and every body is different.

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