![\"compound](\"https:\/\/www.hevyapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/anatomy--1024x573.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAs with most other major muscles in the body, you can do a combination of compound and isolation exercises to develop the abs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compound and Isolation Exercises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Compound exercises target two or more muscle groups and involve at least two joints. Good examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Squat<\/a><\/li>
- Bench press<\/a><\/li>
- Deadlift<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For example, the squat is a compound exercise because it trains multiple muscle groups (quadriceps, glutes, back, etc.) and involves three joints: the ankles, knees, and hips (1<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the case of squats, the quadriceps are the primary muscle groups at work, but secondary muscles include the hamstrings, glutes, midsection, back, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isolation exercises train a single muscle group and involve one joint. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Bicep curls<\/a><\/li>
- Tricep extensions<\/a><\/li>
- Leg curls<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For example, the tricep extension is an isolation movement because it only targets the tricep muscle and involves the elbow joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doing isolation exercises helps direct your attention to one muscle, leading to better mind-muscle connection<\/a> and more growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When to Do Compound or Isolation Exercises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Knowing when to do compound and isolation exercises is crucial for putting together training programs and getting the most out of each session.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, making that decision isn\u2019t as complicated, so long as you follow the hierarchy of exercise selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Prioritize compound exercises.<\/li>
- Proceed with assistance movements.<\/li>
- Finish your sessions with isolation activities.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
As you\u2019ll see in the following point, there aren\u2019t many ab-specific compound exercises. Instead, there are activities you can do to prioritize other areas and involve the abs and other midsection muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because of that, it can be challenging to determine when and how to train your abs effectively and how much direct work is enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, that won\u2019t stop us from trying to figure it out. To do that, we will look at the two common scenarios for training abs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find more exercises on the Hevy app<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n
- Tricep extensions<\/a><\/li>
- Bench press<\/a><\/li>