Have bodyweight abs exercises become too easy for you? Then it’s time to start adding a weighted ball, dumbbells, or a kettlebell for more intensity to enhance your core definition. Resistance will make the muscles work harder and you will see the results faster. Here are the top four weighted abs exercises for you to try.
Weighted Leg Drops
Lie on your back with your legs straight up to the sky and make sure the core is engaged and your back is flush to the mat. Take a weight in your hands and straighten the arms above the chest. Start to lower one leg down to the floor, without curving your back, and bring it back to the starting point. Then lower the second leg. Keep alternating until you have done 20 on each side.
Plank Dumbbell Drag
Get into plank position, making sure the core is engaged and the hips are not dipping. Place a dumbbell on the floor next to one hand and pass it under the other arm and place it next to the hand. Just go back and forth between each side 20 times, keeping a strong plank position.
Dumbbell Plank Row
Another weighted plank exercise, but this one works your back and biceps. Place two dumbbells on the mat and get into plank position with your hands holding the dumbbell. Make sure to hold your core very tightly, so as not to dip side to side, and then lift one weight and row. Place back to the start position and then lift the other one. Do 10 on each side.
Russian Twist
The Russian Twist is one of the harder weighted abs exercises, but so worth it. You can use a ball, dumbbell, or kettlebell and it can be done with your feet on the floor or lifted in the air, to make it harder. Sit on a mat with your knees bent, and lean the upper body back until you feel the abs engage, holding the weight at your chest. Twist the weight from the middle to one side of your body, close to the ground and hold for one second then all the way through to the other side and hold. Alternate until you have done 10 on each side.
