Getting a flat stomach isn’t as easy as it sounds. You’ve probably read a ton of articles promising you a flat belly in 30 days.
But let’s be real: It takes consistency, a mix of proper workouts, smart eating habits, and patience.
And I know the feeling of trying to get that “flat stomach” but then getting frustrated when results don’t come fast enough.
So what should you do?
Well, you don’t need to go on some crazy diet or spend hours at the gym. You just need the right core workouts that are simple, effective, and doable for anyone, no matter where you’re starting from.
10 Core Workouts to Help You Achieve a Flat Stomach
If you’re on the journey to a flatter stomach (or just looking to tone up that midsection), let’s take it slow, break it down, and get moving with these 10 core workouts that have been proven to get results.
1. Planks: The Classic Core-Builder
Ah, the plank. If you’ve ever tried this one, you know it’s no joke. It’s one of those exercises that looks easy at first but quickly turns into a battle.
The thing is, the plank targets pretty much every muscle in your body, but it really focuses on the core.
Your abs, back, shoulders, and even your glutes are all working to keep your body straight and stable.
Why it works: Planks build endurance and strength in the entire core, helping with posture and the ability to hold other ab exercises. Plus, they engage muscles that you don’t normally target with crunches.
How to do it:
- Start by lying face down on a mat.
- Prop yourself up on your forearms, making sure your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders.
- Lift your body off the ground, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Engage your core and hold for as long as possible.
Pro tip: Focus on keeping your hips level. If you feel your lower back sagging, drop your knees down and reset.
Mistake people make: Many beginners drop their hips or push their butt too high in the air. This reduces the effectiveness and can cause strain on your back.
2. Russian Twists: The Side-to-Side Shredder
Let’s talk about the Russian twist. It sounds like something you’d do if you were a spy, right? But in reality, it’s one of the best exercises for working the obliques (those muscles on the sides of your stomach).
This exercise is great for targeting those tricky areas and giving your midsection a more defined look.
Why it works: This exercise activates the obliques, helping you sculpt the sides of your stomach, which is crucial for a flat stomach. It also boosts rotational strength.
How to do it:
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat.
- Lean back slightly so your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
- Hold a weight or medicine ball (optional), or keep your hands together.
- Twist your torso to one side, bringing the weight to the ground beside your hip.
- Twist to the other side, tapping the ground with the weight or your hands.
Pro tip: Keep your back straight and your chest lifted. If you’re a beginner, keep your feet on the ground and then work your way up to lifting your feet off the floor for more challenges.
Mistake people make: Twisting with just the arms and not engaging the core. The twist should come from your waist, not your shoulders.
3. Bicycle Crunches: The Ultimate Abs Burn
Everyone talks about crunches, but what sets bicycle crunches apart is that they target your entire core, including your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques. It’s one of those moves that you can feel working right away, which makes it satisfying.
Why it works: Bicycle crunches are dynamic, so they hit multiple core muscles, giving you the best bang for your buck.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your hands behind your head.
- Bring your knees toward your chest and lift your head and shoulders off the ground.
- Straighten your right leg while twisting your torso to bring your left elbow toward your right knee.
- Switch sides, bringing your right elbow to your left knee.
Pro tip: Focus on bringing your elbow to your knee, not your knee to your elbow. The goal is to rotate your torso and engage your abs.
Mistake people make: Using momentum instead of engaging the core. Slow it down and feel every movement.
4. Leg Raises: The Belly-Flattening Exercise
If there’s one exercise that really helps target the lower abs, it’s the leg raise. This is particularly effective for anyone trying to eliminate that stubborn lower belly fat.
This exercise isolates the muscles below the belly button, which is often the hardest place to tone.
Why it works: Leg raises target the lower abs, a tricky area for many people. Plus, they help strengthen the hip flexors and improve overall core stability.
How to do it:
- Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides or under your hips for support.
- Keep your legs straight and raise them toward the ceiling while engaging your core.
- Slowly lower your legs back down, but don’t let them touch the floor.
- Repeat.
Pro tip: Keep your back flat on the floor to avoid straining it. If your lower back starts to arch, stop the movement and reset.
Mistake people make: Using momentum to swing their legs up and down. Focus on control.
5. Mountain Climbers: Cardio + Core
Mountain climbers aren’t just a cardio move—they’re an amazing core exercise as well. This full-body move gets your heart pumping while also targeting your abs, especially the lower abs and hip flexors.
Why it works: Mountain climbers are a dynamic, high-intensity move that boosts metabolism while engaging your core muscles.
How to do it:
- Start in a push-up position, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
- Bring one knee toward your chest, then quickly switch legs, as if you’re “climbing” in place.
- Keep your core tight and your hips level.
Pro tip: Move quickly but with control. Keep your shoulders stable and avoid letting your back sag.
Mistake people make: Pushing their hips too high in the air. Keep your body straight to get the full benefit.
6. Dead Bugs: For Controlled Core Activation
The name might sound a little weird, but don’t let it throw you off. Dead bugs are one of the best exercises for activating and stabilizing your core while building strength and coordination.
Why it works: It’s a low-impact move that strengthens your deep core muscles, which are essential for posture and overall core stability.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your arms extended toward the ceiling and your knees bent at 90 degrees.
- Slowly extend your right leg straight while lowering your left arm overhead.
- Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite leg and arm.
Pro tip: Keep your lower back pressed into the floor during the movement. If your lower back arches, stop and reset.
Mistake people make: Lifting their back off the floor, which takes the focus away from the core.
7. Flutter Kicks: A Low-Impact Core Shredder
Flutter kicks are one of those simple exercises that really burn, especially if you push through them for a longer period of time. It’s all about consistency here.
Why it works: Flutter kicks engage the lower abs and hip flexors, helping to strengthen the lower part of your stomach.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms at your sides.
- Lift your legs a few inches off the ground and alternate kicking them up and down in a fluttering motion.
- Keep your core tight and control the movement.
Pro tip: Keep your legs straight and close together. Try not to let your feet drop too low.
Mistake people make: Letting their legs dip too low, which can strain the lower back. Stay within a comfortable range.
8. V-Ups: The Total Core Burner
If you’re looking for an exercise that hits the abs, obliques, and hip flexors all at once, V-ups are your go-to. This is a more advanced move, but it’s well worth the effort.
Why it works: V-ups are a combination of a crunch and leg raise, which means they target both the upper and lower abs.
How to do it:
- Lie on your back with your legs extended and your arms overhead.
- Simultaneously raise your legs and upper body off the floor to meet in a V shape.
- Reach for your toes with your hands before slowly lowering back down.
Pro tip: Engage your core and try to lift both your legs and torso at the same time. Keep the movement slow and controlled.
Mistake people make: Jerking their body up too fast. Focus on a slow and deliberate movement.
9. Side Plank: Target Your Obliques
Side planks are a game-changer for targeting the obliques, and the best part is that you can modify them to fit your level of fitness.
It’s one of those core exercises that looks simple but really challenges your stability.
Why it works: The side plank isolates the obliques and helps with balance and stability.
How to do it:
- Start by lying on your side with your legs stacked and your elbow directly beneath your shoulder.
- Lift your hips off the ground, keeping your body in a straight line.
- Hold for as long as you can, then switch sides.
Pro tip: If you’re a beginner, drop your knee to the ground for added support. As you get stronger, extend both legs.
Mistake people make: Letting their hips sag. Keep them lifted to fully engage the obliques.
10. Superman: A Core Stabilizing Exercise
You may not think of the Superman as a core exercise, but it works wonders for building stability and strength in your back and core.
Why it works: Superman exercises help strengthen the entire posterior chain, which is essential for maintaining a strong core and improving posture.
How to do it:
- Lie face down on the floor with your arms extended in front of you.
- Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the floor simultaneously, squeezing your glutes and lower back.
- Hold for a few seconds before lowering back down.
Pro tip: Keep your movements slow and controlled, and don’t overextend your back. The goal is to feel the muscles working.
Mistake people make: Overextending and straining their lower back. Keep the movement gentle and controlled.
Final Thoughts
Achieving a flat stomach doesn’t happen overnight. Many people get discouraged when they don’t see instant results, but the truth is that it takes time, patience, and consistency.
These 10 core workouts will help you sculpt your stomach, but they need to be paired with proper nutrition and a holistic approach to fitness.
Don’t expect a six-pack to appear after a few sessions—focus on getting stronger, feeling healthier, and building a consistent routine that you can maintain long-term.