A well-built core does more than make your abs look sharpâit improves posture, boosts strength, and supports nearly every movement you make in the gym. If you want a routine that actually worksâand teaches you how to train abs properlyâthis guide covers everything from exercise form to reps and sets you can follow today.
Whether youâre a beginner or already lifting regularly, this abs routine will help you strengthen your core and build more visible definition over time.
â Why Training Your Abs Matters
A strong core helps you:
- Lift heavier with better form
- Reduce lower-back pain
- Improve stability and athletic performance
- Build a more aesthetic, balanced physique
Abs donât need hours of work. What they do need is consistency, proper technique, and smart programming.
đ„ The Menâs Abs Workout Routine (20â25 minutes)
This routine hits all major abdominal areas:
- Upper abs
- Lower abs
- Obliques
- Deep core (transverse abdominis)
Do this routine 3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions.
đïž Exercise Tutorials + Sets + Reps
đž 1. Crunches â Upper Abs Focus
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with knees bent.
- Lift your upper back slowly using your abs, not your neck.
- Keep your lower back on the floor.
- Exhale as you crunch up.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 15â20 reps
Common Mistake:
Pulling the neck forward. Keep hands lightly behind your head without tugging.
đž 2. Reverse Crunch â Lower Abs
How to Do It:
- Lie flat, legs bent at 90 degrees.
- Lift hips off the floor using your lower abs.
- Control the downward movementâdonât swing.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 12â15 reps
Form Tip:
Think about curling your pelvis toward your chest rather than swinging your legs.
đž 3. Hanging Knee Raises â Lower Abs + Hip Flexors
(Use a pull-up bar or captainâs chair)
How to Do It:
- Hang with a neutral grip.
- Lift your knees toward your chest.
- Pause briefly at the top.
- Lower slowly.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 10â12 reps
Progression:
Once strong, switch to straight-leg raises.
đž 4. Russian Twists â Obliques
How to Do It:
- Sit leaning back slightly.
- Rotate your torso side to side.
- Keep core tight and chest lifted.
- Use a dumbbell if you want more challenge.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 20 total twists (10 each side)
Mistake to Avoid:
Turning your arms instead of rotating your torso.
đž 5. Plank â Deep Core
How to Do It:
- Keep elbows under shoulders.
- Squeeze your core, glutes, and quads.
- Body should form a straight line.
Sets & Time:
3 sets of 30â45 seconds
Challenge:
Try slow shoulder taps while keeping your hips steady.
đž 6. Bicycle Crunches â Full Core + Obliques
How to Do It:
- Lift legs and alternate elbow-to-knee.
- Keep lower back pressed into the floor.
- Move slowly and controlled.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 20â30 reps (total)
đž 7. Dead Bug â Lower Abs + Transverse Abdominis
This is one of the BEST exercises for core stability.
How to Do It:
- Lie on your back with arms up and knees over hips.
- Slowly extend opposite arm and leg.
- Keep your lower back glued to the floor.
- Return to center and switch sides.
Sets & Reps:
3 sets of 10 reps each side
đ Weekly Abs Training Plan
Monday â Full routine
Wednesday â Full routine
Friday â Full routine
If you already lift weights, do this routine after your workout.
đ„ How to Make Your Abs More Visible
Abs are made in two places: the kitchen and the gym.
To reveal more definition:
â Keep body fat in a healthy range
Most men need to reach around 12â16% body fat for ab visibility.
â Increase protein intake
Protein helps maintain lean muscle while losing fat.
â Donât overtrain
Abs recover quickly, but doing them every day can fatigue your hip flexors and lower back.
đ§ Signs Youâre Training Abs Correctly
- You feel a burn in the center of your core, not your lower back
- You can hold exercises without shaking excessively
- You improve in rep count or hold time weekly
- Your posture gets better
đŻ Final Thoughts
Training abs doesnât have to be complicated. Focus on quality reps, controlled movement, and a routine that targets all areas of your core. When paired with balanced nutrition, this menâs abs workout routine can help you develop stronger, more visible, and more functional abs.

