5 Best Ab Exercises Based on Science (EMG Study Results)

The best ab exercises aren’t the trendy ones flooding your social media feed — they’re the five movements backed by EMG research that actually build a stronger, more functional core. From the dead bug and Pallof press to the ab wheel rollout, hanging leg raise, and kneeling cable crunch, this guide breaks down exactly how to perform, progress, and program the most effective abdominal exercises for powerlifters, combat athletes, and general fitness enthusiasts. Stop wasting hours on endless crunches and learn how to train your rectus abdominis, obliques, and transverse abdominis the right way.

Tall Kneeling Cable Straight Arm Lat Pulldown

The tall kneeling cable straight arm lat pull down combines targeted lat development with integrated core stability training by forcing you to maintain a ribs-stacked-over-pelvis position that eliminates the lower back compensation common in standing variations. This accessory exercise delivers a two-for-one training effect, simultaneously building lat strength through pure shoulder extension while challenging your core’s ability to resist extension under load. Perfect for athletes seeking functional pulling strength or anyone looking to maximize training efficiency by combining upper back work with anti-extension core training in a single movement.