Looking for a flatter stomach without endless crunches? You’re in luck! Not only are crunches hard on the neck and spine, but they also aren’t the only way to tone up your core.
These 17 exercises target every angle of your midsection to build strength, boost balance, and tighten your waistline—all without a single crunch. From planks to leg lifts, these moves will work your abs in fresh, effective ways.
Ready to feel the burn? Let’s get started with these crunch-free core-toning exercises!
Plank
The plank is a classic exercise that targets the entire core without a single crunch. Hold your body in a straight line, balancing on your forearms and toes, keeping your core tight.
It strengthens the abs, back, and even your glutes.
Bicycle Kicks
Lying on your back, lift your legs and mimic a pedaling motion. This exercise targets the obliques, upper abs, and lower abs, giving your stomach an all-around workout without needing a crunch.
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Mountain Climbers
Start in a high plank and bring your knees up to your chest, alternating quickly. Mountain climbers not only engage your core but also increase your heart rate, making them a great exercise for burning belly fat.
Leg Raises
Sitting on the floor with your knees bent, lean back slightly and twist your torso from side to side. This exercise works the obliques, helping to define the sides of your waist for a more sculpted look.
Russian Twists
Sitting on the floor with your knees bent, lean back slightly and twist your torso from side to side. This exercise works the obliques, helping to define the sides of your waist for a more sculpted look.
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Side Plank
A variation of the standard plank, the side plank targets the obliques. Balance on one forearm and the side of one foot, holding your body in a straight line.
This move strengthens the sides of your core, giving your waist a toned appearance.
Dead Bug
Lie on your back with your arms and legs lifted, then extend one arm and the opposite leg toward the floor, alternating sides. This exercise challenges balance and core stability, engaging the lower abs in particular.
Flutter Kicks
Lie on your back and lift your legs slightly off the ground. Make small, fast kicks up and down. This exercise is fantastic for the lower abs, adding a gentle cardio element that tones your stomach.
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Bird Dog
Starting on your hands and knees, extend one arm and the opposite leg, then switch sides. The bird dog move improves core stability, balance, and posture while strengthening your abs and lower back.
Reverse Plank
Sit on the floor, legs extended, and lift your body up on your hands, forming a straight line. The reverse plank works your lower abs, glutes, and back muscles, helping tone your entire midsection.
Hollow Body Hold
Lie on your back, lift your arms, head, and legs off the floor, creating a shallow “boat” shape. Hold the position, keeping your core tight. This exercise is intense but great for strengthening your deep abdominal muscles.
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Standing Oblique Crunch
Stand with one hand on your hip and the other arm extended. Lift your knee to your elbow on the same side. This move targets the obliques in a standing position, making it an excellent option for those who dislike floor exercises.
Scissor Kicks
Lie flat, lift your legs, and move them in a scissor motion, alternating up and down. This exercise works the lower abs and improves core endurance, helping sculpt a flatter stomach.
Heel Taps
Lie on your back with knees bent, lifting each leg one at a time to tap your heel back down. Heel taps focus on the lower abs, helping tone and tighten the stomach without putting strain on your neck.
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Superman Hold
Lie face down and lift your arms and legs simultaneously, holding them in the air. The superman hold strengthens your core and back, improving posture and helping to create a leaner midsection.
V-Sits
Sit on the floor, lean back slightly, and lift your legs to create a “V” shape with your body. Hold this position for as long as you can. V-sits engage both the upper and lower abs, providing a comprehensive core workout.
Side Leg Lifts
Lie on your side, supporting your head with your hand, and lift your top leg up and down. This exercise targets the obliques and lower abs, creating definition on the sides of your stomach for a toned look.
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