When it comes to sculpting a strong core and burning calories simultaneously, strategic ab workouts are key.

Engaging multiple muscle groups and incorporating high-intensity movements canelevate your calorie burnwhilechiseling your midsection.

These are the five ab workouts that burn the most calories that I always recommend to my clients.

woman doing medicine ball twist, concept of ab workouts that burn the most calories

Shutterstock

Read on to learn all about the five best ab workouts that burn the most calories.

And when you’re finished, be sure to check out10 Best Exercises To Melt Lower Belly Fat.

By incorporating explosive movements and short rest periods, this ab workout will kick your metabolism into high gear.

mountain climbers illustration

Shutterstock

Mountain Climbers (3 sets x 30 seconds)

Start in a plank position.

Alternately bring your knees toward your chest in a running motion.

Keep a brisk pace for 30 seconds.

illustration of how to do the russian twist core-strengthening exercise

Shutterstock

Lean back slightly, maintaining a straight spine.

Twist your torso, touching the ground on each side.

Burpees (3 sets x 15 reps)

Begin in a standing position.

burpees

Shutterstock

Drop into a squat position, placing your hands on the ground.

Kick your feet back into a plank, and immediately return to the squat.

Jump up from the squat position.

illustration of plank jacks

Shutterstock

Plank Jacks (3 sets x 30 seconds)

Start in a plank position.

Jump your feet out and in, keeping your core engaged.

Hinge at your hips, and swing the kettlebell between your legs.

kettlebell swings

Shutterstock

Thrust your hips forward, swinging the kettlebell to chest height.

Turkish Get-Ups (3 sets x 10 reps per side)

3.

Windmill (3 sets x 12 reps each side)

Hold a kettlebell in one hand overhead.

kettlebell windmills exercise

Shutterstock

Keep your legs straight, and hinge at your hips, reaching toward the opposite foot.

Maintain a strong core throughout the movement.

Hold the kettlebell with both hands, and twist your torso, touching the ground on each side.

kettlebell russian twist

Shutterstock

This approach keeps your heart rate elevated, promoting calorie burn throughout and after the workout.

Hold for 20 seconds.

Leg Raises (4 sets x 15 reps)

Lie on your back with your legs straight.

hollow body hold

Shutterstock

Lift your legs toward the ceiling, then lower them without letting them touch the ground.

Planks (4 sets x 30 seconds)

Hold a plank position with your body in a straight line.

Engage your core, and maintain the position for 30 seconds.

illustration of leg lifts

Shutterstock

Repeat on the other side in a cycling motion.

This bodyweight ab workout utilizes your body’s resistance to sculpt and define your core muscles while burning calories.

Plank to Alternating Knee Tuck (3 sets x 15 reps)

Start in a plank position.

planks

Shutterstock

Bring your right knee toward your chest, then switch to the left.

Maintain a steady pace.

Reverse Crunches (3 sets x 20 reps)

Lie on your back with your hands by your sides.

woman doing bicycle crunches

Shutterstock

Lift your legs toward the ceiling, then curl your hips off the ground.

Spiderman Planks (3 sets x 15 reps each side)

Begin in a plank position.

Bring your right knee toward your right elbow, then switch to the left.

reverse crunches

Shutterstock

Reach toward your toes, lifting your upper back off the ground.

Planks with Shoulder Taps (4 sets x 15 reps each side)

Start in a plank position.

Tap your right hand to your left shoulder, then switch to the other side.

spiderman plank

Shutterstock

Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, creating a “flying” position.

Hold for 20 seconds.

Side Plank Hip Dips (4 sets x 15 reps each side)

Begin in a side plank position.

illustration of woman doing toe touches exercise

Shutterstock

Lower your hip toward the ground, then lift it back up.

Twist your torso, touching the ground on each side.

plank shoulder taps

Shutterstock

illustration of superman back extensions exercise

Shutterstock

side plank hip dip

Shutterstock

Russian twist with medicine ball

Shutterstock