One of the toughest challenges of being a beginner at the gym is deciding which workout types and exercises best align with your goals. Whether you're aiming to build muscle, develop strength, or lose weight, a great ab workout option will truly benefit you. If you're not sure where to start, look no further. I have the #1 best daily ab workout for beginners to seamlessly work into their routines.

Dead Bugs

This daily ab workout for beginners starts off with the dead bug. Dead bugs are an excellent ab exercise for beginners as you improve your core stability and strength. This move also targets your lower back as you engage both your upper and lower body through functional movement. Move through each rep with control and intent to fully harness the positive effects of this challenging core exercise.

Reverse Crunches

Slow and controlled are the themes for this ab exercise that'll boost a beginner's strength. Adding reverse crunches to your ab workouts allows you to take the benefits of slow eccentric (when your muscles lengthen) movements for bolstering strength—especially in the early days of working out. Trust me—you'll feel the "burn" in your abs if these are done correctly!

Side Planks with Leg Lifts

This twist on the traditional side plank will not only have you improving strength and definition in your obliques, but it'll also benefit hip strength and stability. Squeeze your obliques as you stabilize your obliques, and then dynamically move through leg lifts targeting the glutes and lower back muscles.

Bicycle Crunches

Bicycle crunches are excellent for targeting the transverse abdominals, which run diagonally across your midsection. However, precision is key, as improper form can diminish their effectiveness. Ensure each repetition is deliberate and controlled, engaging your abs with intent as you move from side to side. This mindful approach maximizes the impact of bicycle crunches for a more effective abdominal workout.

Bear Holds with Shoulder Taps

Bear holds serve as a valuable transition into dynamic crawling variations as your abdominal workouts advance in complexity. Introducing shoulder taps enhances the exercise by incorporating shoulder strength and stability along with anti-rotational movements. This combination engages your core and hips in harmony, adding both challenge and functionality to your workout routine.

Loaded Carries

This ab workout for beginners wraps up with the loaded carry. Performing loaded carries involves walking while holding heavy weights, such as dumbbells or kettlebells, in each hand. This is one of the more effective and functional ab exercises you can perform. You target your abs, upper back, and lower back, and you improve your grip strength, making loaded carries an excellent full-body core movement.