We all know that getting a six-pack is tough, even if you do a lot of squats or crunches. It’s just not easy to get that sculpted abs you’re looking for. You need to eat right, keep your body fat low, and work out hard to get a six-pack. While old-fashioned crunches are a great way to finish your core workout, they often don’t deliver the results we’re looking for.

We suggest working your core with dynamic stabilizing movements instead. By involving more muscle groups and working on balance, you can burn more calories and build a stable core, which is exactly what you need to be stronger and build your six-pack.

In the exercises that follow, it’s important to lengthen your limbs as much as possible. Here’s a helpful hint: Train your body in a way that allows it to grow and stretch a little longer with each repetition.

1. Leg lifts

Lie on your back on the floor with your arms out to the sides (in a T-shape), and raise your legs towards the ceiling in a curved shape. Keep your legs together and tight for a few seconds, then lower them to the right side twice and raise them back up.

Breathe as you come back to the center, and try to keep your navel parallel to the floor. Repeat the same sequence on the left side. Do 15 to 20 reps on each side.

2. Side Plank T-Shape

Place your hand right under your shoulder, keeping your body straight. Raise your other arm as high as you can, reaching up as if you want to touch the ceiling while lifting your hips off the floor. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.

3. Side Plank Leg and Arm Stretch

In the same plank position, extend your upper arm while raising and extending your upper leg. Extend your limbs fully while keeping your balance.

Once you’ve done that, let out a big breath and bend your upper leg and arm towards your body. Do 15 to 20 reps on each side.

4. Needle Threading Pose

Stay in the plank position and bring your upper arm up as high as you can. Keep your hips where they are, and try to pass your upper arm underneath your body, reaching the wall behind you. Then, go back to the start and do 15 to 20 more reps on each side.

5. Slowly lower yourself down into the side plank position

Raise your elbow and bring it to your head at a 45° angle. Your body should be supported with your other arm at a 90° angle.

Bend your elbow and bring it down to the floor, trying to touch the hand resting there. Return to the starting position and do 15 to 20 reps on each side.

6. Hip flexion variations

This is one of our favorite exercises. You’ll need a medium-sized fitball for this one. Rest your legs on the ball (at shin height). Lift your body upward in an upside-down V-shape.

7. Mountain Climbers

Start in a high plank position. Alternate bringing your knees up to your chest in a quick, running motion. This exercise is great for boosting your cardiovascular fitness while also working your core. Do 30 seconds to a minute of mountain climbers.

8. Bicycle Crunches

Get into a lying-down position on your back with your hands behind your head. Raise your legs and switch sides, bringing your knees up to your opposite elbow to imitate pedaling. Try to do 15 to 20 reps on each side. This exercise is great for targeting your obliques and lower abs.

9. Flutter Kicks

Get down on your back with your legs extended and slightly lifted. Switch between kicking your legs up and down in a fluttering motion and keeping your core engaged. Do this for 30 seconds to a minute. This move is great for working the lower abs and improving endurance.

10. V-Ups

Get down on your back with your arms outstretched and your legs straight. At the same time, lift your legs and upper body to form a V shape, reaching for your toes. Then, lower yourself back down slowly and repeat for 15 to 20 reps. This exercise gets both your upper and lower abs in on the action.

In short, getting a six-pack can sometimes mean doing traditional crunches. Adding dynamic stabilizing exercises to your routine engages multiple muscle groups and boosts your core strength.

These exercises not only help you sculpt your abs but also improve balance, flexibility, and endurance. Add these moves to your workout regimen, stay consistent with your diet, and maintain a healthy body fat percentage to reveal those well-earned abs.