Frank Zane always prioritized ab training throughout his career. In a recent Instagram post on May 7, 2026, he shared why it’s crucial to train core at least four times a week and revealed his top two exercises for lower ab development.
Frank Zane‘s impact in the IFBB Pro League was most prevalent in the 1970s. Sporting unparalleled aesthetics and a tight waist, he managed to claim three Mr. Olympia titles. He took on titans of the Men’s Open, including bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serge Nubret, and Lou Ferrigno.
Zane’s passion for bodybuilding is just as strong in retirement. His no-nonsense approach to training, diet, and supplementation continues to shape today’s athletes. Since his shredded six-pack was arguably his greatest strength onstage, ‘The Chemist’ laid out how to properly target this stubborn area for optimal results.
Bodybuilding Legend Frank Zane Reveals How to Best Target the Lower Abs With His Top 2 Exercises
In the recent Instagram post, Zane shared that the lower abdominals are a challenging area to sculpt. However, he notes that with the right exercises and consistency, it’s possible.
“Struggling to see results in your lower abs? You’re not alone! The lower abdominals are one of the most stubborn areas when getting in shape, but with the right exercises and consistency, you can make progress.”
Zane’s Top 2 Lower Ab Exercises
Find his go-to movements below:
- Leg Raises
- Hanging Knee-Ups
According to Zane, for the best results, he recommends training the core at least four times a week and every time you work out.
“For optimal results, aim to train your core at least four times a week, and for sure every time you work out.”
Beyond training, he emphasized that clean eating, such as low-carb diets, can help you see progress faster:
“Diet is very important as well. I always relied on a low carb diet to get this done. Stick with it, stay patient, and you’ll start to see the difference!” Frank Zane shared.
Zane isn’t afraid to challenge common ideas in bodybuilding today. He recently warned against bulking, saying, ‘Don’t do it.’ The Open star stressed that quality muscle takes time to build, and bulking usually results in excess water and fat retention. Additionally, Zane doesn’t believe in cheat reps and argues they result in poor muscle shape.
In his prime, Zane’s midsection detail was unrivaled. He credits these two exercises and consistency for helping him maintain defined lower abs.
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