24 Ab Exercises and Workouts to Build a Strong Core There’s a reason we think it’s a good idea to practise ab exercises and ab workouts. Because while a set of strong abs are often coveted by Men’s Health readers, the benefits of a cobblestone core stretch far beyond aesthetics. Your abs are also one of the most important muscles in your body and having a stronger core will help your strength and your lifts - improving your numbers on the bench press, overhead work, deadlifts and squats. An effective ab workout will also improve your proficiency in any sport and help you to maintain good posture. While we know the well-worn adage that abs are built in the kitchen, if aesthetics are your goal, it’s safe to say that ab exercises deserve as much time and attention as any muscle group in your body. That said, it’s important that you’re not just putting in work in your nutrition, but that you’re also working intelligently in your training sessions, which is why we’ve collated the best exercises for the abdomen and ab workouts to get your mid-section firing. A warning: when it comes to the ab exercises and workouts below, you'll want to get comfortable with the feeling of being uncomfortable. There are almost countless benefits of having a fortified mid-section that are applicable to almost everyone - whether you swear by a weekend 5K, are a devout CrossFitter or just want to become faster, fitter and stronger.