8 Weighted Ab Exercises to Upgrade Your Core Work

Ab work can be a drag, but building a strong core is worth it in the long run. A stronger core can help with day-to-day functioning — whether you're lifting heavy bags or dragging yourself up out of bed. Core work is also a fundamental element of just about every exercise you do. If you're looking to build a stronger core (and make life a little bit easier in the process), it might be time to give weighted ab exercises a try.

Weighted ab exercises are a smart way to get the most out of your core work — all you need is a set of dumbbells, a medicine ball, or a couple of handy weight substitutes (such as water bottles or cans of food). If you're new to weighted ab exercises, have no fear. We rounded up a few of the best ab exercises to try with weights.

To get the most bang for your buck when doing these exercises, make sure to choose a weight that feels appropriately challenging. These movements will likely feel much harder than bodyweight ab exercises, so know that it's totally normal to feel your muscles shaking.

Read on to see eight different weighted ab exercises you can add to your workout, plus a recommended number of sets and reps for each. Add a few to the end of your next workout as a core finisher, or turn these weighted ab exercises into a full-on workout by picking five and repeating them like a circuit. As always, listen to your body and feel free to modify or switch to bodyweight as needed.

— Additional reporting by Maggie Ryan and Chandler Plante