Dumbbell · Abs
Weighted Crunches is the dumbbell exercise for the abs in the GymStreak library: an isolation exercise, all beginner level. The guide below links to step-by-step instructions and form tips.
Written by the GymStreak coaching teamUpdated
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The rectus abdominis is the long 'six-pack' muscle that runs down the front of the torso and flexes the spine. Beneath it, the transverse abdominis wraps around the waist like a belt and braces the trunk. The obliques on the sides handle rotation and side-bending (see the obliques page).
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With dumbbells, each side works on its own, so start with your weaker side and match the reps on the other. When you can beat the top of your rep range with good form, move up to the next pair. Dumbbells are the most versatile piece of free-weight equipment. One pair can train the whole body, and because each arm works on its own they help even out left-right differences.
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Pick one flexion exercise, one anti-extension exercise and one leg-raise variation. Beginners can start with crunches, planks and dead bugs; hanging leg raises and rollouts are more advanced.
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Free GymStreak calculators that go with abs training.
Guides from the GymStreak blog on this topic.
GymStreak's AI personal trainer builds a workout plan from your goal, schedule and equipment, shows every exercise with an animated demo and logs your sets.
