Advanced Ab Exercises

By Paige Waehner, About.com Guide

Updated April 23, 2010

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The woodchop is a challenging and dynamic exercise targeting the abs and back. It's a great way to strengthen the core for twisting motions like those involved in golf, baseball, or tennis. You can do this move from the bottom up (as shown) or reverse the move and do it from the top down to change things up. The key to keeping this move safe is to rotate the hips and knees in the direction you're moving and focus on contracting the abs.

1. Attach one end of a resistance band to a sturdy object (such as a stair railing) near the floor.
2. Hold the other end and take a few steps away to create tension on the band. You may need to loop the band around your hands several times.
3. Keeping the arms straight, rotate the body and bring the arms up in a diagonal while squeezing the abs.
4. Rotate the hips and knees as you turn to avoid injuring the joints.
5. Rotate back and repeat for 10-16 reps before switching sides.