Abdominal Exercises

DrivAnna

What are good abdominal exercises for beginners? In addition, does anyone have suggestions to how often abdominal exercises should be done during the week?

RealWorldStrengthLLC

Planks and unsupported sit ups are a really good, basic starting place. Once you can do 1 minute planks at left, right, and center, and at least 2-minutes of unsupported sit ups straight through, you will have a solid base of strength and there are other moves you can move on to that have a much better ROI for your time. Personally, I have the opinion that anything hanging from a pull-up bar has the best ROI - windshield wipers, knee to elbows, alternating knee to elbows, toe to bars, L holds etc. Also, ab wheel.

estherdragonbat

I was told that abs can be done every day. In practice, I do them on upper body workout days, so 2 or 3 times per week (I alternate).

A number of the exercises I do that target other muscles involve a stability ball, which adds a core component. Dead-bugs are great. I do waist-side crunches; not sure if they're a beginner exercise, but I find I like them better than bicycle crunches. Also planks.

DrivAnna

Thank you, for your replies. I find each reply to be extremely helpful. Thank you.