Training abs can be boring and frankly painful, but building core strength is important for overall training, and let's be real, it's nice to have abs. Mattdoesfitness, aka Matt Morsia, is the king of YouTube weightlifting and uses this super- simple ab workout to build that solid core which is important the foundation for all those big compound lifts.
If it’s good enough for Mattdoesfitness, then it’s good enough for us too. Whether you’re looking to build a stronger core or get those shredded abs, this workout will help you on your way.
Mattdoesfitness’ Ab Workout
We’ve enlisted the help of our resident PT Chris Appleton to break down the science on each exercise and how this workout will build up your core strength to achieve abs like Matt.
Reverse Crunch
3 sets of 12 rep.
https://youtu.be/nRWvhhZsL9w
‘Reverse crunches target all the muscles in your abs, with the focus on the lower core. Supporting muscles will include the obliques, and the transverse abdominis — the deepest of all abdominal muscles, which help stabilise your spine and core. The added hip lift will further engage the lower core and surrounding muscles that support stability.’
Raised Leg Crunches
3sets of 15 reps.
https://youtu.be/90iLXadbKXg
‘The crunch is a popular choice for those six-pack abs. They help to strengthen your core, which includes your lower back muscles and obliques, that will improve your balance and posture. Raising the legs is much comfier for the lower back and if done support, adds tension to the lower abs.’
Alternating Side Plank
3 sets of 10 reps
https://youtu.be/42jgB13vK-s
‘The various range of Plank exercises allow you to strengthen your body as a whole and not just the core but incorporating all three into one movement just ups the ante and more! Added tension through the movement which keeps the body steady just adds to the exercise and each body part involved.’
Folded Arms Sit-Up
3 sets of 15 reps
https://youtu.be/FebarUT6Nr8
‘The Sit-Up is classed as a major player in ab exercises by working the abdominal muscles, including rectus abdominis, external and internal obliques, iliopsoas and rectus femoris. Simply placing your arms across your chest will add some slight resistance and reduce the temptation of pulling your body up as you may be when placing behind your head.’
Flutter Kicks
3 sets of 12 reps. A rep is one right then one left kick — don’t cheat those reps.
https://youtu.be/MCynODVAuBw
‘Flutter kicks are an exercise that works the muscles of your core, specifically the lower rectus abdominal muscles, plus the hip flexors which support your stability. You can support your back by placing your hands under or for added difficulty, keep them to the side.’
Take Home Message
If you’re feeling like a challenge, create your a circuit, one exercise after the other — you will feel the burn.
Make sure you're consistent and remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day, so your abs won't be either. It's a well-known fact abs are made in the kitchen, so if you want abs like Matt, you’ll have to get that nutrition right too.
