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.

Belt Squat Suitcase Marching

The belt squat suitcase marching exercise combines unilateral kettlebell loading with dynamic belt squat work to simultaneously develop hip strength, core stability, and cardiovascular conditioning in a single movement pattern. This hybrid exercise challenges your obliques and anti-lateral flexion strength while building powerful hip flexors and single-leg stability, making it valuable for athletes, powerlifters, and anyone seeking functional strength without spinal compression. Whether programmed as a strength accessory or high-intensity conditioning finisher, this versatile variation delivers comprehensive training benefits that transfer directly to athletic performance and real-world movement demands.