Combine flexion abdominal training with stability abdominal training to build a pair of abs that are not only defined, but also strong and sturdy as well!
Workout Summary
  • Main Goal
    Build Muscle
  • Workout Type
    Single Muscle Group
  • Training Level
    Intermediate
  • Program Duration12 weeks
  • Days Per Week
    4
  • Time Per Workout10-20 minutes
  • Equipment Required
    Barbell, Bodyweight, Cables, Exercise Ball
  • Target Gender Male & Female
  • Recommended Supps
  • Workout PDF Download Workout

Workout Description

We don’t include ab training in a lot of our programs.

And as a result – we get asked a lot “but, what should I do about abs?”

This simple ab and core workout can be incorporated into nearly any workout routine on our website.

While it is basic, it trains the abs in two very critical ways to guarantee you not only build abdominals that will look good when at an appropriate body fat percentage, but will also be strong and sturdy.

The two forms of ab training are broken up into two separate workouts:

  1. One workout focuses on flexion based ab exercises to build that coveted brick-like midsection.
  2. The other focuses more on ab exercises that require stability to perform, as well as exercises for the often neglected glute and low back.

The workouts can be performed between 3-6 times per week. It is recommended to cycle between the two during your workout days.

Ab Workout A: For Defined Abs

Exercise Sets Reps
Ab Machine Crunch 4 12-15
Ab Machine Oblique Crunch 2 12-15 Each
Exercise Ball Ab Crunch 4 20
Hanging Leg Raise 3 8-12
Lying Knee Tucks 3 8-12

Ab Workout B: For Stronger Core

Exercise Sets Reps
Barbell Rollout 4 8-12
Pallof Press 3 15 Each
Farmers Carry 3 Distance
(Weighted) Hyperextension 3 12-15
(Weighted) Glute Bridge 3 12-15

When it comes to building the abdominal muscles, I think it is important to remember that no two sets of abs will ever look similar. The abdominals are highly based on genetics – some people are born with muscle insertions that will allow them to develop 8 packs, while others are lucky to have 4 visible abs.

Your abs will also never show if you’re not at a reasonable body fat percentage for them to be visible. Therefore, it is important that you pair this workout program with a complete routine on our website to ensure you’re training compound movements that will positively benefit your body composition.

Now that those two points have been highlighted, it is beneficial to maximize your ab training so you can develop the best mid-section possibly. This program does exactly that by combining flexion, stability, and focusing on complete core development.

Give the program a shot and watch as your abs become more developed and your main lifts get stronger.

22 Comments
Ahmed
Posted on: Tue, 08/30/2022 - 05:16

I don’t have machine crunch what are the alts ?

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Roger
Posted on: Tue, 08/30/2022 - 09:24

Weighted crunches with a plate or weighted ball.

Sean
Posted on: Thu, 10/08/2020 - 22:34

Hey I was wondering what u recommend for rest time in between sets??

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Abigail
Posted on: Fri, 10/09/2020 - 09:20

Hey Sean - great question! Keep the rest times between 45-60 seconds between sets.

Peter
Posted on: Mon, 03/09/2020 - 14:05

I like this workout and have used it in the past, but I think I was doing it differently and I am wondering if I am cheating myself:
I worked it as a circuit, where I went straight from one exercise to the others - then took a 60-90 second rest between sets of the circuit.
Is that acceptable? Optimal? A bad idea? LOL!
Thanks!

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 03/09/2020 - 14:47

Hi Peter,

That's fine to do. As written, they're meant to be performed as straight sets. But, everyone is different. Either way works.

Julien
Posted on: Thu, 06/06/2019 - 15:12

What should I do after 12 weeks ? Also, lying knee tucks are way more easy than the other exercises for me.

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Fri, 06/07/2019 - 13:48

Hi Julien,

You could give Coach Myers' 4 week a shot: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/core-strength-road-map

Julien
Posted on: Tue, 06/11/2019 - 13:47

I’m doing a 4 day mass building training. I’d like to add one ab day to the program you suggest. Should I repeat the day one ? Also, Coach Myers recommend to leave a day off between two ab routine though I’m training on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. What should I do ?

Thanks !

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Wed, 06/12/2019 - 15:16

Hi Julien,

In this instance, I'd generally recommend performing one of the ab training sessions on Mon and the other on Friday. 2 ab training sessions a week should be fine for most gym-goers.

Julien
Posted on: Fri, 06/14/2019 - 16:59

Hi again Josh,

So, do you think that is good or too much.
Monday : coach Myers
Tuesday : A ab definition
Thursday : B core strength
Friday : coach Myers
Combine with the 10 week mass building program

Thanks a lot !

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 06/17/2019 - 08:48

Hi Julien,

That looks pretty darn solid to me.

Shrikant
Posted on: Sat, 05/04/2019 - 03:31

Leg workout send plz

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 05/06/2019 - 11:41
Teosimeon
Posted on: Thu, 04/18/2019 - 19:04

How long should be the rest time between the sets? :)

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Fri, 04/19/2019 - 10:17

Hi Teosimeon,

30 seconds rest.

Netana
Posted on: Mon, 01/28/2019 - 02:19

Do i Perform This 6 days in a row

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 01/28/2019 - 09:24

Hi Netana,

Yes, these can be performed up to 6 days a week (and in a row if that's what your program calls for).

Netana
Posted on: Wed, 01/23/2019 - 07:32

Do i do A and B together

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Fri, 01/25/2019 - 09:45

Hi Netana,

Perform one or the other at the end of your workout, alternating them each time you train.

Jennie O'Brien
Posted on: Mon, 01/21/2019 - 08:58

Is it ok to use the Roman Chair for the leg raise

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JoshEngland
Posted on: Mon, 01/21/2019 - 12:10

Hi Jennie,

Yes, that would be a fine substitution.