How To Engage Your Abs and Core With Dumbbells

Sick of old fashioned ab exercises? If crunches are a major pain in the…abs, then you might want to check out an alternative way to work those core muscles – with dumbbells. Ever tried it before? A little resistance goes a long way! Take your abdominal training to the next level with these three ab exercises that incorporate BowFlex SelectTech dumbbells.

Exercise #1: Alternating Dumbbell Row

Come down into a plank position. Place your dumbbells on the ground. Come down into a full plank. Make sure that your shoulders are directly over your wrists and that your hips are in alignment with the shoulders. Start with the row, all the way up into an open T – alternating sides. Work through full extension as you reach. It's really important to stack the shoulders and the wrists so you have one long line as you go. Keep reaching up nice and high so that you maintain great length in the body.

12 total reps. If you need to reduce the reps, you can do so! It's all about working to fatigue.

Exercise #2: Rotational Mountain Climbers

Rotational mountain climbers are an excellent cardiovascular and core exercise. They are also easy to learn. With just a slight twist on the good old mountain climber exercise, take the knee and drive it to the opposite elbow.

Go for 12 reps!

Exercise #3: Loaded Jump Squat

Loaded jump squats begin and end at the core. The core drives the entire body throughout this exercise, both at launch and to help you decelerate down into the ground. Squat down and really launch off the feet. Try to get as much air as you can. Land softly. Ensure that your body comes up perfectly straight before coming back into the hinge.

12 full reps. All the way to fatigue.