While there are many ab exercises that you can do to strengthen your midsection, it is good to do a variety to be sure you workout all parts of your abs: upper, lower, and obliques. These 3 ab workouts will get you going in the right direction and strengthen your core today.

Ab exercise #1: V-ups

This is a more advanced ab workout that will strengthen your lower and upper abs. It is a full range of motion exercise that will really create a burn. Start by lying on the floor with your legs extended and arms at your sides. Now simultaneously pull your legs and back off the floor, creating a “V” with your torso and thighs. Keep your arms parallel to the floor as you come up, or for a harder work out cross them on your chest or put them straight in the air. (Just remember not to use momentum). Every time you come up and create the “V” that is one rep. If it’s too easy, feel free to try the different arm variations or add weight.

Ab exercise #2: Static Holds and Side Statics

This ab workout is an isometric exercise that will teach your abs to hold a position for an extended period of time. To do this exercise, get in the push up position, but with your elbows on the floor instead of all the way extended. Once you’re in this position, the goal is to hold it for as long as you can. Try and start with at least 45-60 seconds. Eventually you will be able to hold it for 3-5 minutes.

These ab workouts will focus directly on your obliques, which are the muscles on the sides of your stomach. Start by laying on your right side with your right arm down close to your body, and your left arm resting on the back of your head. Keep your legs straight and move them slightly in front of you (about 30 degrees). Now lift your torso and legs off the ground at the same time, keeping your legs straight. Crunch your body toward your legs and go up as far as you can go. Remember to never pull on your head or use momentum. Do as many as you can, then switch to the other side.

These three ab exercises will give you a great head start and greatly strengthen your core. To find out how to build your abs up further, as well as lose the belly fat that’s concealing them, check out my 7-day Six Pack Abs crash course that will show you what you need to do to burn fat fast, keep it off, and reveal your tight stomach.