So my question is what is superior exercises for developing extremely strong abs to compliment powerlifts. Im looking for something beyond crunches and cable pulldowns. I feel that my core routine is somewhat lacking as far as exercise depth. Usually i do hanging leg lifts, cable pulldowns (5x5 heavy), the stoopid nautilus, and floor leg raises/hello dollies . Im really looking for some ruthless exercises that your normal lifter has no intent or will to do
thaO :439:
Don't use a belt, that comes to mind immediately. You have a "belt" of muscle called the abdominals. Not just the "6 pack" muscles, or rectus abdominis, but the obliques, transverse abdominis, etc. Why short-change them with a belt?
First and foremost, anything where you are standing and lifting weights. Your abs will contract to provide stability. Don't be afraid of standing overhead presses, DB snatches, etc.
My favorite is DB snatch:
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Some excellent exercises for core strength/thickening are:
1. Weighted situps: Find a situp bench, grab a heavy DB, hug it near your chest, and go for 5X10. Very challenging, but more fun than bodyweight.
2. Windmills: Very challenging at first, but once you start doing them you'll add weight almost every workout because it's such a new exercise. I started out doing 70 lbs DB's and within a few weeks I was up to 130 lb DB's.
Demonstration with a barbell (DB are easier to do in the gym setting)
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One awesome side-effect of this is that your squat will drastically increase. It works your hip abductors, not just your obliques and transverse abs.
3. Overhead squats:
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Awesome for helping to stay tight and arch the lower back.
