I'm going to show you an example today of one of my favorite ab workouts that don't include any direct ab exercises at all. In fact, it's in a 3 set routine similar to a super-set but alternating between 3 different exercises.

We will be alternating between 3 excericises, Renegade Dumbbell Rows, Front Squats with a Barbell and Mountain Climbers on the Floor. A good repetition scheme with these exercises could be 3-4 sets of 8 reps for each exercise, or you could choose to do more sets with less reps such as 5 sets of 5 reps of each exercise.

Mountain climbers can be done for a time interval, maybe 30 seconds or so instead of reps. Renegade dumbbell rows are done starting in a pushup position with the hands on 2 dumbbells. You then row one dumbbell up while keeping the body stable with the other arm. Bring the dumbbell back to the ground and alternate the rowing arm while stabilizing with the opposite arm.

This stabilizing effect during the rows creates intense work for your entire midsection area. You should feel good effect on the abs. Front squats are done similar to back squats, the only difference is that the barbell is in front of your body on your shoulders instead of resting on the upper back as in regular back squats.

You keep the barbell stable on your shoulders by crossing your arms and pushing your fists into the bar against your shoulders while keeping your elbows out in front of the body. This takes a little practice at first, so you will want to seek a professional trainer at your gym to help you with the form. Always use a trainer's help when you're not very sure of how something is done.

Front squats require extreme stabilization strength from the abs due to the barbell weight being shifted to the front of the body instead of the back. Even though this is mostly a leg exercise, you'll feel this one in the abs big time! Try it, this one really works. Excellent for toning the abs. Mountain climbers are done by starting in a pushup position and then shuffling your feet forward and back so that your knees are move in under your chest and then back out to starting position behind.

It sort of resembles climbing a rock face but flat on the floor. If you want an advanced version, you can also shuffle your hands 8-10 inches forward and backward in addition to the leg movements. It just adds to the effect on your abs. This really makes it a full body exercise and MUCH more difficult than standard mountain climbers. Take a 30 second break after each exercise and 1-2 minutes between each exercise set. If you are tired of failing to get visible six pack abs, consider moving on from the traditional ab exercises and bogus ab gadget machines that don't work.

If you're obese, you might want to consider weight loss supplements.