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A'Ja Wilson's Favourite Ab Exercises

These Are the 2 Bodyweight Exercises WNBA Star A'ja Wilson Does For Strong Abs

Jul 24 2019

A'ja Wilson was the number-one overall pick at the 2018 WNBA draft, and her game speaks for itself. When she isn't making it nearly impossible to guard her on the court with her power and speed, she's fine-tuning the fundamentals and improving her strength.

No matter the sport or level of play, having a strong core is important to improve your overall performance. "I love bird dog, and I love dead bug," A'ja told POPSUGAR ahead of the WNBA All-Star Weekend when asked what her go-to ab exercises are. "I don't have the best core [strength] in the world, but those two moves are something I really focus on when I train, because I know I need to get my core strength better than what it is," she explained.

If you want to improve your core strength, follow A'ja's lead, and add these two moves to your routine. Find out how to perform each ab exercise ahead.

Image Source: Getty / Cassy Athena

1. Bird Dog

  • Get on all fours, with your knees under your hips and your hands under your shoulders. Remember to keep abs engaged and keep your back flat.
  • Reach out with your right hand and extend your left leg out behind you.
  • Round your back and head to connect your right elbow with your left leg under your body. This completes one rep.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

2. Dead Bug

  • Lie on your back with a neutral spine and your hips and knees at right angles with your palms pressed into your thighs just above your knees.
  • Pull your abs to your spine keeping your ribs and pelvis still as you lengthen your right arm and leg out until they are almost parallel to the floor. Keep your torso and spine completely stable as the arm and leg move.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat on the left side to complete one rep.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography

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