Top 10 Sixpack Shortcut Exercises – No Equipment Needed

Hey there, fitness warrior! Ready to sculpt those abs without stepping foot in a gym or touching a single piece of equipment? You’re in the right place. Get ready to sweat, because we’ve compiled the ultimate list of bodyweight exercises guaranteed to chisel your midsection into a work of art. Let’s dive in!

1. Planks:
   Planks are the unsung heroes of ab exercises, targeting not only your six-pack but also your entire core. Get into a push-up position, but instead of lowering yourself, support your weight on your forearms. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels, engage your core, and hold that position for as long as you can. Feel the burn? That’s your abs transforming into steel.
2. Mountain Climbers:
   Imagine you’re scaling a mountain, except you’re doing it on the comfort of your living room floor. Start in a push-up position, then bring one knee towards your chest, alternating legs as if you’re running in place. Keep your core tight and your movements swift. Not only will you feel the burn in your abs, but you’ll also get your heart pumping for some bonus calorie torching.
3. Bicycle Crunches:
   Hop on your imaginary bike and get ready to pedal your way to a six-pack. Lie on your back, hands behind your head, and bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle. Now, twist your torso, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee while extending your right leg straight out. Switch sides, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee. Keep alternating sides in a fluid motion, feeling the burn in your obliques with each twist.
4. Russian Twists:
   Get ready to twist and shout—well, maybe just twist. Sit on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground, and lean back slightly, forming a V shape with your torso and thighs. Clasp your hands together in front of you or hold a weight if you’re feeling fancy. Now, twist your torso to the right, bringing your hands or the weight beside your right hip. Return to the center and then twist to the left, bringing your hands or the weight beside your left hip. Keep the movement controlled and feel the burn in your entire core.
5. Leg Raises:
   Prepare to elevate your ab game with leg raises. Lie flat on your back, hands under your glutes for support. Keep your legs straight or slightly bent if you’re a beginner. Engage your core and lift your legs towards the ceiling, keeping them together. Control the movement as you lower your legs back down, but don’t let them touch the ground. Feel that burn in your lower abs? That’s the feeling of progress.
6. Hollow Body Hold:
   Channel your inner gymnast with the hollow body hold—a move that’ll have your abs shaking (in a good way). Lie on your back with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight out. Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades and legs off the ground, creating a banana-like shape with your body. Keep your lower back pressed into the floor and hold this position for as long as you can. Feel those abs quivering? That’s the sound of them getting stronger.
7. Flutter Kicks:
   Time to kick it up a notch with flutter kicks—an exercise that targets your lower abs like a laser. Lie flat on your back, arms by your sides or under your glutes for support. Lift your legs off the ground about six inches, keeping them straight. Now, alternate kicking your legs up and down in a quick, fluttering motion. Keep your core engaged to maintain stability, and don’t forget to breathe. Feel the burn as those lower abs start to fire up!
8. Reverse Crunches:
   Turn the traditional crunch upside down with reverse crunches—a killer move for hitting those lower abs. Lie on your back with your legs bent and lifted towards the ceiling, forming a 90-degree angle with your hips and knees. Keep your arms by your sides or under your glutes for support. Now, engage your core and lift your hips off the ground, bringing your knees towards your chest. Slowly lower back down with control and repeat. Feel the burn deep in your lower abs as you rock those reverse crunches.
9. Side Planks:
   It’s time to give your obliques some love with side planks—a twist on the classic plank that’ll have your waistline thanking you. Start in a traditional plank position, but instead of balancing on your forearms, stack one foot on top of the other and raise your body onto one arm, forming a straight line from head to heels. Keep your core engaged and hold this position, feeling the burn in your side muscles. Don’t forget to switch sides to keep things balanced!
10. High Knees:
    Let’s finish strong with high knees—a cardio-packed move that also engages your core and helps blast away that stubborn belly fat. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Now, drive one knee towards your chest while quickly switching legs, as if you’re jogging in place but with exaggerated knee lifts. Pump your arms to add intensity and keep your core tight to stabilize your body. Keep the pace up for maximum calorie burn and ab engagement. Feel the burn and keep pushing until you’ve crushed your workout!

Travis Perez

Travis is the lead content developer on SixpackShortcut.com He also writes in the wellness and outdoor space. On SixpackShortcut.com Travis specializes in sixpack product reviews and informative articles.