The best ab workouts challenge areas beyond your abs. If it doesn’t work the core too, it’s lacking; and ideally, you should choose exercises that engage your entire body. These exercises improve your full-body strength, stability and endurance.

We’ve rounded up five of our favorite ab workouts (that are about so much more than abs!). Each of these can be done in two to three sets of eight to 10 reps. Know that you can always make things more challenging by adding reps, doing them faster, taking less rest or adding weight. Be mindful of how you feel when you’re performing these; be sure to keep your muscles engaged so they get the workout they should. No cheating!

The L Chin-Up

The chin-up is naturally one of the best upper body exercises as it helps build strength in your arms, core, chest and back. You can bring it to another level by raising your legs. Through this, you can strengthen your back and core at the same time.

To execute:

• Grasp the pull-up bar with an underhand grip slightly wider than shoulder grip.
• Raise your legs to a 90-degree angle with your body. As the name suggests, your body should be forming an L shape. Hold this position throughout the exercise.
• Lift your chin over the bar as you would with ordinary chin-ups. Keep your legs straight. Note: scale these down by keeping your legs bent, as you would in a knee tuck. Scale them up by doing pull-ups instead.)

Dead Bug Wall Pushes

Crunches give a great burning sensation but can also be straining on the spine because of the repeated flexing. Plus, there are movements much more efficient and effective. Dead bug wall pushes work you from head to toe and even require a little coordination. Fair warning: you may feel like someone stepped on you after doing this.

To execute:

• Lay on your back with your head a foot away from the wall. This may vary depending on your height or arm length.
• Lift both arms overhead and press your palms flat against the wall.
• Keep your lower back in contact with the ground as you do this.
• Lift your legs so your thighs are perpendicular to the ground and your knees are at a 90-degree angle. This is the starting position.
• From the starting position, lower one leg until your heel is six inches above the ground. Pause for one count. Return to starting position.
• Repeat with your opposite leg. Alternate both legs until you complete the needed reps.

Kettlebell Windmills

The kettlebell windmill unevenly loads your torso, forcing your core muscles to engage and support your spine. This is excellent for learning to push and pull on one side of you body without losing balance or control. This exercise also increases shoulder stability and mobility, reducing the risk of injury and making overhead movements smoother.

To execute:

• Stand with your feet slightly wider than your hips.
• Hold a kettlebell overhead with your arm locked out and your elbow behind your ear.
• Turn your feet out at a 45-degree angle opposite the arm lifting your kettlebell. If your kettlebell is in your right hand, turn both feet 45 degrees to the left. This is for balance.
• Hinge at your hips and reach down with your opposite hand as far as your flexibility allows. Keep your eyes locked on the kettlebell as you do this.
• Stand up to return to the starting position.
• To make it more challenging, hold a kettlebell in the one hand as you hold one overhead in the other.

Stability Ball Pot Mixers

If you love planks, this one is for you. It drastically increases the difficulty because you have to balance on a physioball while moving your elbows in a circle.

To execute:

• Assume plank position with your elbows on the physioball.
• Move your elbows in clockwise position for the required number of reps. Don’t let your hips sag. Keep your body straight.
• Repeat in the opposite direction.

Renegade Man Makers

Imagine a burpee combined with an overhead press and a dumbbell row. Insane, right? That’s exactly why the renegade man maker deserves its name. The exercise requires you to brace your core as you move weight through different planes of motion. This will really get your heart rate going!

To execute:

• Assume a push-up position, holding onto lightweight dumbbells with your palms facing together.
• Perform a single-arm row with your left arm, then another with your right arm.
• Hop your feet forward and stand up as if performing a burpee.
• Curl the dumbbells to your shoulders and press them overhead.
• Lower the dumbbells, squat down and return to the starting position.

If you want to work your core better, get creative! Toss away crunches and basic sit-ups for slightly more complex movements that pack a lot more punch. Remember that strengthening your abs isn’t just about looking stronger or getting that much-desired six pack. Your core supports your entire upper body. It’s an important tool. Spend time strengthening it and all of your workouts will thank you.