These 6 core exercises are the secret to strong abs.

Need the breakdown for getting strong abs, stat?

These six core exercises with weights are the answers you’ve been seeking.

woman doing core abs workout with weights, specifically a russian twist with a 20 pound dumbbell

*Photo: Drazen_/Getty Images*

Why You Should Do Abs Workouts with Weights

Bored with your usualbodyweight coreroutine?

Amp it up by making it an abs workout with weights.

Now, grab a set of dumbbells and give these exercises a try.

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Vanessa Rogers

(Or try thesestanding abs exercisesif you don’t want to lie on the floor.)

How it works:Do 1 set of the prescribed number of reps for each dumbbell abs exercise.

Move from one move to the next with little to no rest in between.

Person demonstrating how to do a windmill abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers

Do the full circuit 1 to 3 times, depending on how much time you have.

Look up at left hand.

Return to starting position.

Person demonstrating how to do a vertical climb abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers

That’s one rep.

Do 15 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

B.Press right arm overhead and bend left elbow as left knee lifts up toward chest.

Feel left obliques working to lift knee as high as possible.

ab workout with weights female: woman demonstrating how to do a bow and arrow abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers

Return to starting position.

Do 20 reps, alternating sides.

B.Engage abs to keep torso steady and reach left arm under right to grab the dumbbell.

ab workout with weights female: woman demonstrating how to do a plank pull through abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers

C.Immediately lower right shoulder and repeat the lift on left side.

Avoid letting elbows bend.

Extend right leg out straight and bend left knee, placing left foot flat on the floor to start.

ab workout with weights female: woman demonstrating how to do a Straight-Arm Climb abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers

Reach right arm forward in front of shoulder.

C.Round back and brace abs in tight to slowly roll through back and return to starting position.

(If it’s too difficult, keep the right arm on the ground for more support.)

ab workout with weights female: woman demonstrating how to do a single-arm sit-up abs exercise with weights

Vanessa Rogers