Barbell Ab Rollout

What it is

This exercise builds core strength and stability. You begin in a plank position with hands on a barbell, then roll the bar towards your feet while lifting your hips. It primarily works your abdominal muscles, with secondary engagement of your lower back and shoulders.

Technique tips

• Start in a strong plank position with your hands gripping the barbell.
• Lift your hips high as you roll the barbell towards your feet.
• Keep your abdominal muscles tight throughout the entire movement.
• Exhale as you roll in, then inhale slowly as you return to start.
• Maintain straight arms perpendicular to the floor to target your core.
• Control the movement; do not rush the return to the starting position.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.