How to Flex Abs

Co-authored by Monica Morris

Last Updated: July 2, 2023 Fact Checked

Flexing your abs can be both a part of your workout routine and a means to look great for photographs. To flex your abs during exercise, work on engaging your core throughout sets to give your abs an extra workout. To flex your abs for photographs, work on using your arms to push your abs forward and show them off a little. Make sure to stop if you feel pain. Flexing your abs to the point of strain can cause injury.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Flexing Your Abs to Strengthen Them

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Pull your sternum and pelvis towards each other slightly. Keep your shoulders square as you do this.^{[1]
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Moving your shoulder blades backwards to keep your back straight Push your shoulder blades together slightly. Continue to keep your belly button pulled inward.^{[2]
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Pull the muscles in your pelvis up slightly while keeping your abs engaged. Contracting these muscles slightly while engaging your abs helps your abs stay firm.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Flexing Your Abs in Poses

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1
Exhale as you flex. You don't want to suck in your stomach or hold your breath. However, a gentle exhale while you hold a pose can help highlight your abs a little more.^{[4]
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- Try not to expel all the breath from your lungs, as this will make it look like you're holding your breath. This makes the pose look strained. Stick to a gentle, natural exhale for the best results.
Pressing your hands into your thighs will help you to flex your abdominal muscles. Place both hands on the front of your thighs with the palms facing towards your body. Press your hands into your thighs a little, and as you do this, flex your abdominal muscles.^{[5]
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Turn to one side. While exhaling and pressing your hands on your thighs, twist your body so you face the mirror or camera you're posing at. A side pose, with your body twisted slightly, slims down your waist and makes your abs look more pronounced.^{[6]
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Many people suck in their gut to slim down their stomach while flexing. However, this is unlikely to have the desired effect. Sucking in your stomach can make your abs look unnaturally thin and will not be as flattering as sticking to more relaxed poses.^{[7]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Flexing Your Abs Effectively

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Once you're comfortable engaging your core while doing basic movements, try flexing during your workout. Keep your core engaged the entire time, but don’t try to flex your muscles throughout the entire workout. If you need to do movements that require you to loosen your pelvic muscles or stomach, do so, but try to keep your core engaged when you can to strengthen it.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Monica Morris
Certified Personal Trainer

Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.}
You don't have to be at the gym to be engaging your core muscles and strengthening your abs. Maintain good posture and keep your core muscles engaged all day long. Take a moment to check your posture and engage your abs while waiting in line at the grocery store, sitting at your desk at work, or watching television at night.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Monica Morris
Certified Personal Trainer

Expert Interview. 18 November 2019.}
3
Stop if you feel pain. You cannot keep your abs flexed constantly. Some poses may also cause pain for some people. If you feel a lot of pain, stop and give it a rest. Flexing beyond the point of pain can cause strain and injury.
- Stop flexing and call your doctor if you have severe, sudden, or sharp pain in you abdominal muscles. This may indicate a rupture.^{[10]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Improving the Look of Your Abs for Photos

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Being tan may help to accentuate your abdominal muscles. Make a few trips to a tanning salon or go for a spray tan if you don’t want to use tanning booths.
Doing sit ups right before your photo shoot can help to increase the blood flow to your abs, which may help them to stand out more.
Oil can help your abs to stand out more for photos as well. Try rubbing a bit of baby oil or massage oil onto your abs just before photo shoot. This will make them look shiny and help to catch the light.^{[11]
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If you are working with a professional photographer, then they will know how to position you and use lighting to get the best result. However, if you are setting up the photos yourself or a friend is taking them for you, then you will need to create the best environment on your own. One of the best ways to make your abs stand out more is to use set your light source off to your side. This will help to bring out all of the details of your abs.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I improve my core flexibility?

Monica Morris
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques.

Monica Morris

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Expert Answer

The best way to improve your flexibility anywhere is to stretch every day. There's no real fancy trick or tip; just keep stretching every day. This is really the only way to improve your flexibility over time. Remember, don't over-focus on one specific set of muscles. It's best to stretch your entire body every time you stretch.

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Question

Is ab flexing a workout?

Monica Morris
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques.

Monica Morris

ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Expert Answer

Although ab flexing isn't really a workout, it can help engage and strengthen your abs. Incorporate ab flexing into both your workouts and every day routine.

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Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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