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The bestabs exercisesare ones that work more than just one part of your abdominal muscles.

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Katie Thompson

The rectus abdominis is the muscle you think of when you think “abs.”

It’s the outermost abdominal muscle, and runs vertically along each side of your abdominal wall.

Theoblique musclesrun along the sides of your torso, and there are two sets: internal and external.

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When you’re doingcore exercisesto strengthen these muscles, think of the abs and core as one unit.

In fact, you don’t even need equipment.

Below, you’ll find 31 ideas.

forearm plank hold

you could also try starting with fewer reps. ## Plank

Targets the deltoids, latissimus dorsi, glutes, and core.

Forearm Plank

Targets the core, latissimus dorsi, glutes, and deltoids.

Lateral Plank Walk

Targets the core, latissimus dorsi, deltoids, and triceps.

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Bird Dog Crunch

Targets the core and glutes.

Plank With Spinal Rotation

Targets the the core, glutes, latissimus dorsi, and deltoids.

Plank to Downward Dog Tap

Targets the core, deltoids, and rhomboids.

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Side Plank

Targets the the core (especially the obliques), latissimus dorsi, and deltoids.

Leg Lift

Targets the core.

Down Dog Abs

Targets the core, glutes, deltoids, and rhomboids.

plank to side plank

Dead Bug

Targets the core, and helps hip and shoulder mobility.

Crab Toe Touch

Targets the core, glutes, and deltoids.

Rainbow Plank

Keep your core and butt tight and your hips lifted.

plank to downward dog tap

Rotate your hips to the left side and tap the floor.

Repeat on the right side.

Boat Pose

Pilates 100

Gifs and images: Photographer: Katie Thompson.

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Hair grooming: Yukiko Tajima.

Makeup: Risako Matsushita.

Stylists: Rika Watanabe.

mountain climber

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plank hop

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Bicycle crunch

Plank UpDown

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crab toe touch exercise move

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singleleg jackknife

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