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.

Half Kneeling WTS Pallof Press

The half kneeling pallof press with What’s That Strap is an advanced anti-rotation core exercise that builds exceptional trunk stability and rotational resistance using a cable machine. This comprehensive guide covers proper setup, execution mechanics, and programming strategies for this functional core training movement that benefits athletes, powerlifters, and anyone seeking to develop genuine integrated core strength. Learn how the specialized strap attachment reduces wrist strain while maximizing oblique activation and deep core engagement in this asymmetrical stability exercise.