Rather than the everyday ab exercise routines that we see frequently with crunches, situps, leg lifts, etc, you can find better alternatives for metabolism-boosting high intensity exercises that work the whole body while additionally working the abs.

I'll show you an example in the present day of one of my favorite ab workouts that doesn't consist of any direct ab exercises at all. It's in a tri-set format (much like a super-set but alternating between three workouts).

Here goes:

1a. Renegade Dumbbell Rows

1b. Front Squats with Barbell

1c. Mountain Climbers resting on Floor

A very good rep system to make use of with this could be 3-4 sets of eight reps for every exercise, or more sets for less reps, such as five sets of five reps of each workout. Mountain climbers could be done for a time interval (such as 30 seconds) as an alternative to "reps".

Renegade dumbbell rows are done starting with a pushup position with the palms on 2 dumbbells. You then row one dumbbell up while stabilizing your body with the other arm. Bring the dumbbell back to the ground and alternate the rowing arm while stabilizing with the other arm. This stabilizing effect throughout the rows produces unimaginable work for your entire midsection core area. Trust me, you would really feel it in the abs!

Front squats are executed similar to back squats, although with the barbell in front of your own body on the front of your shoulders as opposed to resting on the upper back as in back squats. You stabilize the barbell on your shoulders by crossing your arms and pushing your fists into the bar against the shoulders while keeping your elbows out in front of the body. This takes a little practice in the beginning, therefore you will want to seek a reliable coach at your gym that can assist you with the form. Front squats need intense stabilization power from the abs due to the barbell weight being shifted to the front of the body as opposed to the back. Though this is mostly a leg exercise, you'll feel this one within the abs big time!

Mountain climbers are carried out by beginning in a pushup pose and then shuffling your feet in and out so as your knees are moving in under your chest and then back out to the preliminary position. It sort of resembles climbing a mountain but flat on the floor. If you need an advanced version, you can even shuffle your arms 8-10 inches forward and backward in addition to the leg movements. This actually makes it a complete body routine and MUCH harder than standard mountain climbers.

After finishing every exercise, rest for approximately 30 seconds before beginning the next workout. Take it easy for about 1-2 minutes after finishing every "tri-set" before repeating.

This gives you the most effective ab workouts you've ever had without even working on any direct ab exercises. You'll see what I mean after you try it!