Best Ab Exercises Using Weights

This dynamic exercise works the obliques and upper abs while keeping your heart rate up. Although this is a full-body move, it doesn't require a lot of space, so you can do it almost anywhere. Use a five- to 10-pound dumbbell or a medicine ball.

• Squat, and twist left to hold the dumbbell on the outside of your left leg.
• Exhale, and lift the weight diagonally across your body, ending twisted to the right with the dumbbell above your head. Pivot on your left foot as needed.
• The move is a bit percussive, so focus on the rotation initiating in your torso.
• Control the weight back up to the starting position to complete one rep.
• Remember you are moving with force but also control. Don't give into the momentum of swinging the weight around. Do three sets of 15 reps on each side.