Getting a flat stomach and shredded abs can turn into a full-time job if you don’t have the right routine to produce results.
Eating healthy is an important part of getting ripped, but the real results come from old-fashioned hard work.
To achieve a great set of abs, you have to shape them by doing exercises that challenge your muscles and reveal them through proper diet and nutrition aimed at losing fat and building muscle.
Cardio Exercises For Abs
Getting a great set of abs isn’t easy so we’ve provided the best cardio workouts for abs and get the definition you want.
Burpees
This is a classic staple in just about every cardio arsenal. To perform a burpee, you need to start by standing up with your legs held apart at the hips.
Bend down into a squat swinging your arms in a backward motion, and jump directly up into the air as high as possible. When you land, bend at the knee and immediately drop down to the plank position.
Commence performance of a single push up and then jump back up on both feet to bring your body into a standing position.
Repeat from the beginning immediately and do as many reps as you can in a 1-minute time frame.
High Knees
Place a ring or square on the ground and stand just to the left of it. Pull your knees up towards your chest and step into the marked area on foot at a time, repeat the same pose stepping out.
Make sure to pull your knees all the way up every step to target your lower abs. Do as many reps as you can within a 1-minute time frame.
Mountain Climbers
Start with your body in the plank position, your arms should be straight and your hands resting right under your shoulders.
Lift up one foot pulling your knee towards the middle part of your body, return to the original position and repeat with the other leg.
Make sure your hips remain level and do as many reps as you can in a 90 second time period.
Dolphin Knee Drop
For this exercise, you will need to start in the dolphin plank position. Simply assume the form of a push-up, but instead of putting weight on your hands, you will have your weight placed on your forearms and elbows.
While holding your core tight, take three small steps forwards to lift your hips into the air, then lower your knees until they lightly touch the floor.
Reverse the move by putting your hips back in the air, and reversing your steps in a walking motion. Complete 10 reps within one minute for maximum results.
Crossovers
Using that same ring or square from your earlier exercise, you will want to also start this one by standing to the left.
Step inside the shape with the opposing foot, crossing it over its pair until you are inside the shape, repeat the process stepping out of the ring until you are in the starting position. Repeat this move rapidly for 2 minutes.
Skier Jumps
To complete these ab flexing moves, start by standing with feet separated at hip width. Hold your core taught and jump from one side to the other, ensuring that you land squarely on two feet.
Perform this move rapidly and continue for one full minute.
Rock the Boat
Start by sitting on the ground with your spine elongated and your knees bent. Your hands should lightly rest on your hamstrings.
While engaging your core, roll softly backward rounding your spine in the process. Tuck in your chin and lift your hips off the floor while rolling onto your upper back.
Then proceed to roll forward until you are in the boat pose and reaching forward with your arms. Breathe out and repeat this move for 15 reps.
180 Twists
Again using the ring or square, start with your right foot placed on the outside of the shape and both feet aligned under your hips.
Jump straight up keeping your core tight while rotating 180 degrees. Repeat by jumping back into the starting position. Complete as many of this move as you can within a one-minute time frame.
Mountain Spider
Cardio is the way to go when you want to get ripped abs, and this move will jumpstart your heart rate and help you build strong abs in the process.
Begin by assuming a high plank position with your shoulders over your wrist. Your hips should also maintain alignment with your shoulders and your core should be tight.
Pull your left knee up to your chest, and then back down, repeat with the other leg. Then move your right leg up and towards your left elbow.
Return to the original position and repeat with the other leg. Do 15 reps, rest for 1 minute and then do another 15 reps.
Ski Abs
Start this move by sitting in a V position with your heels on the floor, your spine elongated, your hands fisted in front of your, and your lower back straight and flat.
Move your fist to the right, while lifting your heels in the opposite direction. Alternate sides and repeat for 25 reps on each side.
Low Side Punch Plank
Start in a forearm plank position keeping your core tight and legs straight. Move your weight towards your right forearm and punch out your left hand straight to the side.
Follow your hands with your eyes, and return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Do 30 reps on each side as quickly as possible without rest.
Crunches
You had to expect these to show up somewhere on our list. These are simple, and a great way to catch your breath in between our other ab ripping exercises.
Lay on your back, pull your legs into a 90-degree angle and lift your shoulders off of the floor.
Pull your shoulders and knees together keeping your core tight, relax slowly until you reach your original position. Repeat for 50 reps.
Switch Kicks
Start on your back with your legs raised in the air at a 90-degree angle. Lower your right heel towards the floor, keeping your core tight and punch your right arm towards your left heel while twisting.
Repeat the same on the opposite side as quickly as possible while maintaining control.
Hi-Low Jack
Starting in a high plank and with your back flat, jump your feet out and then back to their starting position.
Get down into a dolphin plank position and repeat. Move back to your high plank position and repeat the move. Continue with alternating positions for 50 reps.
Alpha- Abs
Start this move laying flat on your back with your hands under your hips. Push your back into the floor and using your core, lift your legs in the air.
Spell out your name with your toes and lower your feet. Lift your legs again after two breaths and spell your name backward. Repeat this for 25 reps and then rest.
See also: 7 Minute Workout
Cardio Workouts For Abs Tips
You should add a set of each of these to the end of your strength workouts for the best results.
If you want to experience fast progress, you can pack these effective cardio workouts for abs into a 6 group, 20-minute session.
Always warm up your core before jumping into an ab ripping workout routine.
Simple warm-ups like a few reps of jumping jack, running in place, or just holding a plank for 30 seconds is a great way to get the most out of your workout and avoid injury at the same time.
