3 Dumbbell Exercises For Abs - Do These and Get Strong Abs

While dumbbells are not often used to work the abs, there are at least 3 dumbbell exercises for abs that come to my mind. If you do these (and eat right, of course) you will strengthen and tone your abs and waistline.

Exercise #1 - Weighted hanging leg raises

The hanging leg raise is a difficult exercise in its own right but placing a dumbbell between your crossed feet will make it that much harder. If you're using a Captain's chair to do hanging leg raises, place the handle of the dumbbell between your feet and raise yourself to the chair. If you're using a pull up bar, place the dumbbell on the floor standing on one of the plates and then lift it up with your feet.

Then, do the exercise normally. Make sure to use a weight that actually allows you to do some reps.

Exercise #2 - Weighted crunch

The weighted crunch can be done in a few variations: place the dumbbell behind your head or hold it against your chest and then just do a regular crunch by raising your upper body toward your bent knees.

I recommend placing the dumbbell on your chest because holding it behind your head may cause you to strain your neck. I also find that holding the dumbbell on your chest is a more natural form so you should find it easier to do.

You need to make sure that the dumbbell is tight against your chest. Don't let it roll down to your belly.


Exercise #3 - Incline leg lifts

To do this dumbbell abs exercise will require an incline workout bench. To do the incline leg lift you need to hold the dumbbell between your feet and grab the top of the incline bench with outstretched arms so your feet dangle over the edge and are in midair.

With your abs, lift both legs together with the dumbbell up. Make sure not to lift your lower back from the bench. Hold it down with your abs. Keep the movement slow and gradual with no abrupt movements. This exercise, similarly to the hanging leg raise one is excellent if you're trying to target the lower abs in particular.

A few general tips

Most of these exercises are hard enough without dumbbells. Only use weights if you're in shape. Don't be hasty and look for instant results. You won't get them. Make sure to not neglect your diet for the best results possible.