As the new year rolls in, many people set resolutions to improve their fitness—and a flatter belly is at the top of the list. While no exercise can magically burn fat from a specific area, strengthening your core can tighten muscles, improve posture, and help your midsection look more toned. Andrew White, a certified personal trainer and co-founder of garagegympro.com, shares his top exercises to kickstart your 2026 ab goals.
1. Leg Raises
For many people, the lower abs are the trickiest to sculpt. Standard crunches often miss this area, making leg raises a critical part of any core routine.
“A stellar move for the lower abs, which are often tougher to target. The controlled motion required to lift and lower the legs without touching the ground intensely engages the lower abdominal muscles, leading to a tighter, more toned appearance,” says White.
How to perform Leg Raises:
Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and arms at your sides. Keeping your legs straight, lift them toward the ceiling until your hips are slightly off the floor. Slowly lower your legs back down without letting them touch the ground. Repeat for 10–15 reps, maintaining control throughout the movement.
2. Bicycle Crunches
If you want to engage multiple abdominal muscles at once, bicycle crunches are a go-to move. They combine twisting and leg movement to target both the obliques and the main abdominal muscles.
“The twisting motion actively targets the obliques while the leg motion engages the rectus abdominis. Together, they provide a full abdominal workout, helping to carve out definition,” White notes.
How to perform Bicycle Crunches:
Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and legs lifted, knees bent at 90 degrees. Bring your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg. Switch sides, bringing your left elbow toward your right knee. Continue alternating sides in a pedaling motion for 12–20 reps per side.
3. Seated Oblique Twists
Love handles and side belly fat can be stubborn, but oblique-focused exercises like seated twists help strengthen and tone these areas.
“Oblique twists focus on the side abdominals, aiding in the reduction of love handles and contributing to a flatter, more toned belly,” says White.
How to perform Seated Oblique Twists:
Sit on the floor or chair with your knees bent and feet flat. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight. Clasp your hands together and extend your arms in front of you. Twist your torso to the right, then to the left, keeping your core engaged. Perform 15–20 twists per side, moving slowly to maximize the muscle engagement.
The bottom line
A flatter belly in 2026 starts with consistent, targeted core work—not quick fixes. Incorporating exercises like leg raises, bicycle crunches, and seated oblique twists can strengthen your abdominal muscles, improve posture, and give your midsection a more toned appearance. Combine these moves with a balanced diet, regular cardio, and overall strength training for the best results.
