Do you want to strengthen your core and improve your overall health? Look no further! We’ve put together a list of 18 weighted ab exercises that are guaranteed to give you the results you’re looking for. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, these exercises will help you tone and sculpt your midsection and build a stronger core. Keep reading to learn more about each exercise and how to incorporate them into your routine.

1) Weighted sit-ups

Weighted sit-ups are one of the most effective weighted ab exercises you can do. It targets all the muscles in your core and can be done using any weight of your choice.

To do a weighted sit-up, begin by lying flat on your back on the floor with your legs bent and feet flat. Place the weight (like a medicine ball or dumbbell) at your chest, and then curl your body up so that the weight rises off the floor and touches your forehead. Once you reach the top of the move, lower the weight back down to the floor and then repeat.

Remember to keep your lower back pressed into the floor throughout the entire movement, and focus on engaging your abs as you go. Doing weighted sit-ups can help strengthen and tone your core, as well as improve your balance and stability.

2) Weighted crunches

Weighted crunches are a great way to strengthen your core. This exercise targets the upper abdominals and can be done with weights or a medicine ball. To do this exercise, begin by lying on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.

Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands, and then curl up so that your shoulder blades come off the ground. Make sure to keep your chin tucked in toward your chest.

As you curl up, hold the weight close to your chest and squeeze your abs tightly. Slowly lower yourself back down to the starting position. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions.

3) Weighted leg lifts

Weighted leg lifts are a great way to strengthen your core and abdominal muscles. To do this exercise, begin by lying on your back with your arms at your sides and a weight in each hand. Make sure the weights you choose are not too heavy or you could risk injury.

Next, lift your legs off the ground as you keep your torso stable and maintain a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds before slowly returning your legs to the ground. Make sure to keep your lower back flat against the floor during this exercise.

To increase the difficulty of this exercise, you can lift one leg higher than the other and alternate between them. You can also try holding the weight higher up in the air as you lift your legs to work more of your upper body as well.

Weighted leg lifts are a great way to build core strength and stability while targeting your abdominal muscles. Be sure to take your time when doing this exercise and always keep proper form so that you don’t put yourself at risk of injury.

4) Weighted side bends

Weighted side bends are an effective ab exercise that helps to strengthen and tone your core. This exercise works your oblique muscles, which are located on the sides of your abdominals. To perform this exercise, begin by standing upright with a weight in each hand, and arms at your sides. Slowly bend your torso to one side while keeping your back straight and arms down.

Hold for a few seconds and then return to the starting position. Repeat the same motion on the other side. Do this exercise for 10-15 repetitions per side to strengthen your core. Make sure to keep your back straight and not arch your lower back during the exercise.

As you become more comfortable, you can increase the amount of weight in each hand. Weighted side bends can be done as part of a regular ab workout routine to help strengthen and tone your core.

5) Weighted Pilates

Pilates is an excellent core exercise that can help to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles. Weighted Pilates is a great way to take your Pilates routine to the next level. With the addition of a weighted ball or weight, you can increase the intensity and challenge of each exercise.

Weighted Pilates exercises are perfect for targeting the deep core muscles and can help you achieve a strong and toned midsection. Here are some of the most common weighted Pilates exercises that you can incorporate into your workout routine:

• Single Leg Stretch – This exercise targets your oblique and rectus abdominis muscles. To do this move, start by lying on your back with both legs bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift one leg and hold a weighted ball between both hands. Contract your abs and lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor as you extend the leg in the air. Alternate legs for 8-10 reps.

• Seated Roll Up – This exercise works your entire abdominal area and helps to build strength in the entire core region. To do this move, start by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you and a weighted ball held in both hands behind your head. Engage your abdominal muscles to slowly roll your spine up off the floor and reach towards the ceiling with your arms. Hold for 2 seconds and then slowly lower back down to the starting position. Repeat 8-10 times.

• Double Leg Stretch – This exercise targets the obliques, rectus abdominis, and transverse abdominal muscles. To do this move, start by lying on your back with a weighted ball held in both hands behind your head. Contract your abs to lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor as you extend both legs in the air. Alternate legs for 8-10 reps.

Weighted Pilates exercises are a great way to strengthen and tone your core muscles. Give these exercises a try and reap the benefits of stronger abdominals!

6) Weighted Russian twists

The weighted Russian twist is a great exercise for strengthening your core and working on your balance. To perform the move, you’ll need to begin by sitting on the floor with your legs bent and feet flat. Holding a weight in both hands, extend your arms out in front of you at shoulder height. Keeping your chest up, twist your torso to one side and then the other, bringing the weight along with you.

Your goal should be to rotate your torso to one side and then back again. You can make the exercise more challenging by holding heavier weights or increasing the number of twists you do in one set. If you’re new to this exercise, start by using lighter weights or body weights and work your way up. Remember to keep your core tight and back straight as you twist from side to side.

7) Weighted reverse crunches

Weighted reverse crunches are an effective exercise for strengthening your core. This exercise targets the lower abdominals and is great for working on your stability and balance. To do a weighted reverse crunch, begin by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor.

Place a weighted medicine ball or a dumbbell between your feet, keeping your knees bent. Then, contract your abdominal muscles and slowly lift your hips off the ground while pulling the weight towards you.

Make sure to keep your back straight throughout the exercise. Once you have lifted your hips off the ground, hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower them back down. Make sure to keep the weight steady throughout the movement. Perform this exercise for 15-20 repetitions for 2-3 sets.

8) Weighted front planks

Front planks are a great core exercise that engages your abdominals and lower back muscles. With the addition of weight, you can challenge yourself even further to build strength and stability in your core.

To do a weighted front plank, start in a plank position with the arms extended and shoulders directly over the wrists. Place a dumbbell or kettlebell on your lower back, just above the hips. Squeeze your glutes and tighten your core muscles as you hold the plank for 30-60 seconds.

Make sure to keep your neck and spine in a neutral position. When done correctly, weighted front planks can help build strength and stability in your core as well as improve posture and balance.

9) Weighted side planks

Weighted side planks are a great exercise to help strengthen your core. This exercise targets the obliques as well as the abdominals. To begin, start in a side plank position with your legs straight, bottom foot pointed towards the floor, and your arm resting on your top knee. You can either keep your arm straight or bend it at a 90-degree angle. Make sure to keep your body in a straight line.

Once you have established your starting position, hold a weight in your opposite hand and lift your hips off the ground as you simultaneously lift the weight up until it is directly above your shoulder. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower back down to the starting position. Aim for 8-10 repetitions on each side.

Weighted side planks can help to improve your core strength and stability, as well as target those hard-to-reach muscles in your obliques. Try adding this exercise into your routine for an added challenge!

10) Weighted reverse planks

The weighted reverse plank is a great way to add an extra challenge to your core workout. This exercise works the entire core, as well as the back, glutes, and hamstrings. To do a weighted reverse plank, start in a high plank position with your hands on the ground and feet elevated on a bench.

Then, holding a dumbbell in one hand, slowly lower your body down so that your chest is almost touching the ground. Make sure to keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the movement. Hold this position for 10-20 seconds before slowly lifting back up to the starting position.

Repeat for 3-4 sets.

11) Weighted oblique crunches

Weighted oblique crunches are a great way to target your obliques and help you build strong core muscles. To perform this exercise, begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a dumbbell or weight plate close to your chest. Engage your core and press your lower back into the floor.

Slowly lift your shoulder blades off the ground and twist your upper body towards the left, bringing your right elbow towards your left knee. At the same time, rotate your legs so that your right knee is pointing towards the ceiling and your left knee is pointing towards the floor. Reverse the movement to complete one rep.

Do 10-15 repetitions on each side for two to three sets.

12) Weighted flutter kicks

Weighted flutter kicks are a great way to strengthen and tone your core muscles. This exercise requires weight and a mat. To do the exercise, lay on your back and place the weight on your stomach. Lift both legs off the floor and begin alternating them in a scissor-like motion. Make sure to keep your core muscles engaged throughout the exercise.

You can increase the intensity of the exercise by adding more weight or increasing the number of repetitions. As you get stronger, try doing the flutter kicks with one leg at a time to target each side of your core muscles separately.

With regular practice, weighted flutter kicks will help strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, giving you that sought-after six-pack!

13) Weighted decline sit-ups

Weighted decline sit-ups are an effective exercise to target your abdominal muscles and strengthen your core. To do this exercise, start by lying on a decline bench with a weight plate placed behind your head. Place your feet flat on the floor and begin to crunch up as you normally would for a sit-up. As you come up, extend your arms up towards the ceiling and squeeze your abdominal muscles for maximum results. As you return to the starting position, make sure to keep the tension in your abs and repeat the motion for desired repetitions.

Weighted decline sit-ups are great for targeting your lower abdominals, and can also help improve your overall core strength and stability. To maximize results, focus on keeping proper form and a slow, controlled movement throughout the exercise. Make sure to take your time, and you should start to feel the burn after a few sets.

14) Weighted toe touches

Weighted toe touches are a great exercise to help strengthen your core and abdominal muscles. They involve lying on your back and lifting your legs off the ground. As you do this, you reach up with both hands and grab a weight, bringing it down to touch your toes.

To do this exercise correctly, start by lying on your back on the floor or mat. Place a weight in each hand – if you’re using dumbbells, start light so you can get used to the movement. Slowly raise your legs until they are at a 45-degree angle to your body. Reach up with both arms and grab the weights, slowly lowering them towards your toes. Your legs should remain straight throughout the exercise. When you reach your toes, pause for a moment and then lift the weights back up to their starting position, engaging your core muscles.

Do three sets of 10 repetitions of weighted toe touches for best results. As you become stronger, gradually increase the weight you’re lifting.

15) Weighted bicycle crunches

Weighted bicycle crunches are a great exercise to target your core muscles and strengthen your abs. The movement of the bicycle crunch works to engage both the rectus abdominis and the oblique muscles, allowing you to tone and strengthen your entire core.

To perform a weighted bicycle crunch, begin by lying flat on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Place a weighted plate across your chest, making sure it is secure. Next, bring both knees up toward your chest, lifting your shoulder blades off the ground. Then, twist your upper body to bring one elbow towards the opposite knee, while simultaneously extending the other leg straight out in front of you. Bring the opposite elbow towards the other knee, then switch back and forth between the legs. Do 10-15 repetitions, taking a break if needed.

Weighted bicycle crunches are an effective exercise for strengthening your core muscles and increasing muscular endurance. Make sure you maintain proper form throughout the exercise and use a weight that challenges you without compromising your form. With consistent practice, you will soon see and feel the results!

16) Weighted captain’s chair

The weighted captain’s chair is one of the most effective exercises for strengthening your core. It works your abdominal muscles, lower back, and obliques. To do this exercise, stand in front of a chair with a weight in one hand.

Place your feet firmly on the floor and bend your arms at the elbow. Make sure your back is straight and your abs are tight. Slowly lift your legs off the floor, bending your knees as you go. Hold for a few seconds then slowly lower back down. Repeat for a few sets and gradually increase the weight if needed.

Make sure to keep your breathing controlled throughout the exercise and focus on keeping your abs tight. This exercise will not only strengthen your core but also help improve balance and stability.

17) Weighted hanging leg raises

Hanging leg raises are an effective way to strengthen your core, and adding weight to this exercise further increases the intensity. To do a weighted hanging leg raise, start by securing a weight belt around your waist. You can use a barbell plate or any other kind of weight that is secure and comfortable.

Then, hold onto a pull-up bar with both hands and lift your legs until they are parallel to the ground. Keep your knees slightly bent as you slowly lower your legs back down. Focus on maintaining control throughout the movement and engaging your core muscles as you lift and lower your legs. Doing multiple sets of 10-15 repetitions will help you get the most out of this exercise.

18) Weighted medicine ball sit-ups

Weighted medicine ball sit-ups are a great way to strengthen your core and build your abdominal muscles. This exercise is done by sitting on the ground with your knees bent, holding a medicine ball in both hands and lifting it over your head as you lean back and crunch your upper body off the ground. As you come up, squeeze your abs to lift the medicine ball up and over your head.

Keep your legs and lower back pressed firmly into the ground throughout the movement. This exercise works your abdominals, obliques, hip flexors, and even your chest muscles. You can add more weight by increasing the size of the medicine ball or adding extra weight.

Try doing three sets of 15-20 reps for best results.