She’s setting her mindset *and* her makeup.

If you’re looking to take your core workouts to the next level, try adding ankle weights to your next ab routine. Strapping on a light pair of ankle weights adds extra resistance and forces your core to work harder while stabilizing your body, explains Taylor Phillips, CPT, a certified personal trainer and Pilates instructor at Equinox in New York City. The result? Stronger abs.

Having a stronger core helps improve your posture, balance, and stability, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Working on your core strength can also make daily activities, like bending down to tie your shoes or sitting in your desk chair, that much easier.

Below, you’ll find the best ankle weight exercises that’ll isolate your abs and help build a solid core. Think of these moves as the cherry on top of your strength routine.

But first, the benefits of using ankle weights for ab exercises

1. It adds an extra challenge to your core

“Light ankle weights challenge the core by adding extra weight for the muscles of your core to brace against,” Phillips says. With more weight on your legs, you’ll have added resistance on your core muscles, which increases the demand on both your abdominals and stabilizing muscles. That translates to stronger core muscles over time as you continue using ankle weights in your ab routine and building strength.

2. You’ll get a more intense workout

Really focusing on the muscles you’re trying to activate while performing the movements helps you maintain good form. That’s the whole point of the mind-muscle connection—it helps maximize the intensity of each move.

“Adding extra weight to the ankles challenges you to slow down against the added resistance, making each move more deliberate and intense,” Phillips says.

3. It can help engage other muscles

Not only can ankle weights fire up your core, but wrapping these wearable weights can also help strengthen other muscles. “Ankle weights also help strengthen the accessory muscles being worked, such as the hip flexors and glutes, during your ab routine,” Phillips says.

The best ab exercises using ankle weights

1. Side-lying leg lift

Photo: Taylor Phillips, CPT

Lie on your left side, propping your head up with your left hand. Place your right hand on the floor in front of you for stability.
Squeeze your legs together tightly.
Lift both legs as high as you can while keeping your hips and legs stacked.
Lower your legs back down to the ground.
Repeat for 30 reps.

2. Seated scissor tuck

Photo: Taylor Phillips, CPT

Sit on the floor with your legs bent and feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly to place your forearms down on the ground to prop your upper body up.
Lift both feet off the ground.
Draw your right knee into your chest while extending your left leg long. (Your left leg should hover a few inches off the ground.)
Slowly switch legs with control, maintaining a “C” curve of the lower back.
Alternate for 20 reps.

3. Straight-leg scissor kick

Photo: Taylor Phillips, CPT

Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight out. Lean back slightly to place your forearms down on the ground to prop your upper body up.
Slowly lift your right leg off the floor as high as you can. Your left heel should hover a few inches off the ground.
Slowly lower your right leg down. Simultaneously lift your left leg off the floor as high as you can. Your right heel should hover a few inches off the ground.
Alternate for 20 reps.

TIP

Make sure to maintain a “C” curve in your spine so the exercise is supported, according to Phillips.