Ab Strength That Carries Over to the Big Three

Powerlifters train abs to build a stronger brace under the bar, with ab development as the secondary benefit. Strong abs help support heavier squats, steadier benches, and stronger deadlifts. The goal is trunk control: the ability to stay tight, transfer force, and keep position when the bar gets heavy.

Cable crunches build direct abdominal strength when done with control. The purpose is not to yank the stack down. It is to brace, flex through the trunk, and own the contraction.

Sit-ups and incline sit-ups are staples because they are tried and true. They build the abs directly and can be loaded or progressed over time. Incline sit-ups add a harder range of motion, but the reps still need control.

Leg raises, hanging knee raises, and oblique knee raises train the lower abs, hip flexors, and obliques while challenging trunk stability. Keep the reps clean. Swinging, bouncing, and rushing turn ab work into momentum work.

Cable woodchops help lifters resist unwanted rotation. That matters in the squat and deadlift, where the bar punishes uneven pressure, loose positioning, and sloppy force transfer.

Kneeling ab-wheel rollouts build serious anterior core strength. They teach the lifter to keep the ribs down, pelvis controlled, and low back from taking over.

For powerlifters, ab training should support the barbell. Add it after main work or on accessory days. Build the brace, protect position, and make every lift stronger.

Exclusive Powerlifting.com content drawing on published research and industry expertise to ensure accuracy and relevance for powerlifters. Certain statements in this article represent the author’s perspective and may not reflect the views of Powerlifting.com.