5 Best Superset Workouts to Sculpt Six-Pack Abs (2024)

Sculpting six-pack abs requires dedication, consistency, and an effective workout routine. Superset workouts, which involve performing two exercises back-to-back with minimal rest, are ideal for maximizing efficiency and results. Below are five superset workouts I recommend to my clients to sculpt six-pack abs and a chiseled core.

Each workout consists of two exercises to be performed back to back with detailed instructions, supersets, and reps. Incorporate these workouts into your routine to target your core muscles from various angles, enhancing definition and strength. Remember to combine these exercises with a balanced diet and regular cardio for optimal results.

Now, let's dive into my best superset workouts for abs!

Superset Workout #1: Classic Core Crusher

The classic core crusher is designed to target your upper and lower abs and your obliques. This superset will ensure that your entire core is engaged and worked to its fullest potential.

1. Crunches

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Crunches are a fundamental exercise for building upper ab strength and definition.

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head, elbows out. Lift your shoulder blades off the ground, engaging your core. Lower back down without letting your head touch the floor. Perform three sets of 15 to 20 reps.

2. Reverse Crunches

Reverse crunches target the lower abs, helping to create a balanced, defined look.

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides. Lift your legs, bending your knees at a 90-degree angle. Use your lower abs to curl your hips off the floor and toward your chest. Slowly lower your hips back to the starting position. Perform three sets of 15 to 20 reps.

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Superset Workout #2: Oblique Obliterator

The oblique obliterator targets the side muscles of your core. This superset will help you achieve a tighter and more defined waistline.

1. Russian Twists

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Russian twists are great for targeting the obliques and improving rotational strength.

Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands. Twist your torso to the right, then to the left. Perform three sets of 20 reps per side.

2. Side Plank Hip Lifts

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Side plank hip lifts strengthen the obliques and help stabilize the core.

Start in a side plank position on your right side, with your elbow directly below your shoulder. Lower your hip toward the floor, then lift it back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Perform three sets of 15 reps per side.

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Superset Workout #3: Plank Powerhouse

The plank powerhouse focuses on building endurance and strength throughout the entire core. Planks are excellent for overall core stability and strength.

1. Plank

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A basic plank strengthens the core, emphasizing the abs and lower back.

Start in a forearm plank position with your body in a straight line. Keep your core tight and hold the position. Perform three sets, holding each plank for 30 to 60 seconds.

2. Plank with Leg Lift

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Plank with leg lifts adds an extra challenge to the standard plank by engaging the glutes and lower abs.

Start in a forearm plank position. Lift your right leg off the ground, keeping it straight. Lower your right leg and lift your left leg. Perform three sets of 15 reps per side.

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Superset Workout #4: Dynamic Duo

The dynamic duo combines cardio with core exercises to maximize fat burning and core strength. This superset is perfect for adding variety and intensity to your routine.

1. Mountain Climbers

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Mountain climbers are a full-body exercise that effectively targets the core while increasing heart rate.

Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders. Drive your right knee toward your chest. Switch legs, bringing your left knee toward your chest. Perform three sets, each lasting 30 to 45 seconds.

2. Standing Cross-Body Crunch

Standing cross-body crunches work the obliques and add an element of balance and stability.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your hands behind your head. Lift your right knee toward your left elbow, crunching your core. Lower your leg and repeat on the other side. Perform three sets of 15 reps per side.

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Superset Workout #5: Total Core Engager

The total core engager is designed to hit all areas of your core, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded workout. This superset will challenge your endurance and strength.

1. V-Ups

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V-ups target both the upper and lower abs, making them a highly effective core exercise.

Lie on your back with your legs straight, and arms extended overhead. Lift your legs and torso simultaneously, reaching your hands toward your feet. Lower back down without letting your feet touch the floor. Perform three sets of 15 to 20 reps.

2. Flutter Kicks

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Flutter kicks are great for the lower abs and help improve core endurance.

Lie on your back with your hands under your hips. Lift your legs off the ground and alternate kicking them up and down. Perform three sets, each lasting 30 to 45 seconds.

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5 Best Superset Workouts to Sculpt Six-Pack Abs (2024)

FAQs

Are supersets good for abs? ›

Supersetting abdominal exercises and those that target the erector spinae — a long set of muscles that runs alongside the spine — may be the key to maintaining spinal stability and ensuring that your entire core is rockin'!

What is the superset 2 exercise for abs? ›

Superset 2: Oblique Crunch

Put your right hand behind your head, elbow flared out, and your left palm down perpendicular to your torso. Contract your abs to lift your shoulders off the floor and rotate your body to bring your right elbow towards your left knee.

What is the number 1 best exercise for abs? ›

Some of the most effective ab workouts are the plank, mountain climbers, roll up, and bicycles.

Do supersets burn fat? ›

Supersets are a great technique to promote muscle growth, fat burning and time-efficient training method as well as promoting muscle-fibre activation which will help increase the intensity on a specific muscle group - therefore helping them develop faster.

Do supersets actually work? ›

Are Supersets Good for Building Muscle? Supersets are an ideal choice for people who are seeking muscle growth. While supersets can suit a variety of training goals depending on the exercise selection, rep scheme, and rest, they're “most beneficial for hypertrophy training, building muscle,” says Andy.

What is a superset with 3 exercises called? ›

Tri-Sets. A tri-set requires you to do three exercises performed back to back. This variation can increase workout intensity and volume, leading to greater muscle fatigue and growth.

How many sets of abs is enough? ›

The ideal ab training frequency will depend on the individual's experience level. For someone who is new to working out (or at least working out their abs), a goal of completing 12-16 challenging sets (of 8-12 repetitions) in their ab workouts per week may be sufficient to produce gains in strength and muscle volume.

How many exercises should be in a superset? ›

The two exercises used in a superset can be: Lower body exercises and upper body exercises. Exercises that 'oppose' each other (i.e. pushing and pulling exercises) and therefore use opposing muscle groups (like the chest and the back)

What is the single best core exercise? ›

What Is the Most Effective Core Exercise?
  • Dead bug: According to research, this exercise is the most effective and great for activating the core.
  • Front planks.
  • Side planks.
  • Vertical leg crunches.
  • Flutter kicks.
  • Russian twists.
  • Hollow body hold and hang.

What is the fastest exercise to get abs? ›

8 Exercises for Abs: The Pros Share Their Favorites
  1. Crunch. "The ab exercise that all other ab exercises are measured against is the simple crunch," Weil says. ...
  2. The plank. ...
  3. Bicycle maneuver. ...
  4. Captain's chair. ...
  5. Back extensions. ...
  6. Crunches on an exercise ball. ...
  7. Vertical leg crunches. ...
  8. Reverse crunches.
Feb 4, 2013

What is the secret to six pack abs? ›

In summary, the key to getting rock hard six pack abs is to be sure to focus on your diet, while incorporating multi-joint, compound exercises and smart cardio into your workout routine. That is the long lost secret that you must use if you want to succeed in your six pack quest.

What exercise burns your abs the most? ›

Some abdominal exercises for belly fat that you can try at home include:
  • 60-second planks.
  • Bicycle crunches.
  • Abdominal crunches.
  • Leg lifts.
Apr 25, 2023

How do I get a flat six pack abs? ›

How to get abs
  1. Planks, because they are great for building endurance in the abs, back and stabilizer muscles.
  2. Crunches and sit-ups are a traditional but effective movement that target the front of the stomach. ...
  3. Leg raises are effective at targeting the lower abdominal muscles especially.
Jan 23, 2024

Should I superset my core? ›

Yes, you can include core exercises in-between sets as part of your workout, or even create supersets to add more of an effect.

What are the disadvantages of supersets? ›

Another potential downside of supersets is that they can limit the amount of weight you can lift. When you are doing two exercises back-to-back, it can be difficult to perform both with heavy weights. As a result, you may not be able to progress as quickly as you would like.

What are supersets best for? ›

Research has shown that supersets lead to much higher anaerobic expenditures (for increasing muscle size and mass) and aerobic (for improving endurance) expenditures than traditional resistance training for both men and women. In other words, supersets are good for your heart and muscles!

Do supersets make you lean? ›

Supersets are a sure-fire way to further boost your metabolic rate and burn fat faster without spending more time in the gym.”

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