3-step abs

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Three moves that will work your abs from different angles to give you a solid six-pack

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Incline knee raises

exercise

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Sets: 3  Reps: 10

Lifting your legs up an incline increases the time that your lower abs are under tension for an improved training effect. 

  • Lock your arms into place and avoid pulling on them as you lift your legs.
  • Lower your legs slowly but stop them before they cause your lower back to arch. 

Decline sit-ups

exercise

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Sets: 3  Reps: 10

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The decline bench moves your centre of gravity so that your abs have to work harder to crunch your torso upright, placing more tension in your upper abs.

  • Engage your abs to crunch up and avoid pressing your ankles into the bar.
  • Keep your shoulder blades together and don’t roll your shoulders forwards.

Gym ball leg scissors

exercise

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Sets: 3  Reps: 8 each side  

Holding the gym ball up calls on your abs, while rotating them recruits your side abs to power the move.

  • Lift the ball off the floor using your abs and keep your core braced.
  • Slowly rotate to one side and then the other by engaging your side abs.
Nick Hutchings

Nick Hutchings worked for Men’s Fitness UK, which predated, and then shared a website with, Coach. Nick worked as digital editor from 2008 to 2011, head of content until 2014, and finally editor-in-chief until 2015.