Expert Advice Panel - Abs Advice

The MUSCLE INSIDER Expert Advice Panel—a rotating-roster advisory board made up of some of the biggest and best training experts—is back to help answer your tough questions. Up for debate this issue: abdominal training. Here are their six-pack secrets.

“What is your favourite abs exercise?”

Optimum’s Tobias Young, IFBB pro, says:
“Hanging leg raises. When performing that exercise, I feel a complete contraction of my abdominals from top to bottom. Doing slow and controlled reps is key. Also, it’s important to go with a full contraction, bringing the hips as high up as possible, flexing the abs.”

Bodybuilder Jeremy Patterson says:
“My favourite abs exercise, hands down, has to be the hanging leg raise. You see people all of the time trying to reinvent the wheel with all of these crazy workouts, but nothing is more hardcore for the abdominals than the hanging leg raise. The exercise is all about controlled movement and full 90-degree range of motion to failure.”

Magnum’s El Presidente, supplement superhero, says:
“I love training abs. I love that burning feeling in the low, low abdomen, when I know they have been worked hard. Suspended abs training is my favourite—whether it be in hangers, self-suspension, or a swing, I’m in! Lately though, having a ton of weight tied to my feet and pulling my knees up has given me that special happy tickle I’m looking for.”

iForce Nutrition’s Corey Swiergosz says:
“This has to be barbell roll-out because of its ability to work your entire core. To complete it properly, you need to pause at the stretch position and pull yourself back slowly, contracting the middle and lower abdominals. This exercise looks deceivingly easy but requires immense core strength to be done effectively.”

All American EFX Sports’ Eric Broser says:
“I think the most effective ab movement has always been the kneeling cable crunch. I find that this exercise isolates my entire abdominal wall more efficiently than any other movement and allows me to use enough resistance to stimulate growth. Additionally, I love how this exercise closely mimics the front ab/thigh shot we must hit onstage as competitive bodybuilders.”

Valerie Garcia-Giovanoli, IFBB physique pro, says:
“My favourite ab exercise isn’t the one I like to do the most; it’s the one that works the best. The original Nautilus crunch machine we have in our gym is amazing. I do high reps with a medium weight and endure the burn right up until failure. I hate doing them, but I love what they do!”

Pharmafreak’s Anth Bailes, IFBB pro, says:
“For me, it’s just basic abdominal crunches lying on the floor with legs raised on a bench. Crunches are much easier on the lower back than regular sit-ups. I don’t go all the way back—just stop short and keep constant tension on the abs, making sure I get a good squeeze at the top.”