The 8 Best Exercises for Lower Abs

This lower-abs exercise is a great way to wake up your core at the beginning of your workout or as a stand-alone exercise any time you want to squeeze in some extra ab work.

How to do it: Lie faceup with knees and hips bent 90 degrees, feet flexed. Extend arms and press both palms on top of thighs. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, brace abs in tight, pressing lower back against the floor as you push thighs into hands, pushing back against them (note: your legs should not move). Hold for 1 count and then release. Do up to 3 sets of 10 repetitions in a row.

Make it harder: As you exhale, lift your head and shoulders off the floor as you press thighs and palms together. Lower upper body back down to the floor as you inhale.

Mind your muscle tip: During the contraction, imagine you are "zipping" your muscles from your pelvic floor up to your belly button (drawing them in tight as if trying to squeeze into a pair of low-rise jeans).