Bodybuilding coach Charles Glass is outlining how to build a more impressive midsection. On April 21, 2025, he walked through his easy-to-implement workout for achieving visible abs just in time for summer.
Glass has long made a name in the sport with technical workout advice. His background in engineering has helped him shape the routines of several high-profile bodybuilders such as Dexter Jackson, Chris Cormier, Shawn Rhoden, and even some celebrities like Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Wesley Snipes. Developing washboard abs is one of the most sought-after fitness goals in the world, prompting him to clear the air on his best workout to make it happen.
Charles Glass’ Workout for Visible Abs
Find his exercise selections below, which were featured in his recent YouTube video:
- Seated Crunches — 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- Standing Rope Crunches — 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- Leg Raises — 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- Seated Oblique Twists — 4 sets of 8-12 reps
Seated Crunches
For seated crunches, Glass recommended lifting the hips and crunching up to keep the pressure on the torso.
“One of the ways I like to do it, my favorite all-time is just to sit and crunch,” he explained. “You can feel the pressure, as you crunch down, you lift up, so everything is crunching up. You’re lifting the hips.”
Standing Rope Crunches
To reap maximum benefits, Glass said to engage the core, bend at the waist, and bring your elbows to your thighs while keeping the waist stationary. He explained that squeezing at the bottom of each rep allows for an optimal contraction.
“A great exercise for targeting the abs, especially the rectus abdominis. Start by grabbing the rope with both hands and pull it down to position it above your head.
Engage your core and bend at the waist, bringing your elbows toward your thighs while keeping your hips stationary. Squeeze at the bottom for maximum contraction, then slowly return to the starting position. Keep the movement controlled and focus on using your abs to power the crunch,” he shared.
Leg Raises
He also gave directions on how to perform the leg raise, specifying that the glutes should come off the pad as you crunch while fully engaging the abs at the top of each repetition.
“Start by sitting on a declined bench, facing up, and grabbing the handles for support. Lift your legs and place them under the footpads.
From here, engage your core and focus on bringing your knees toward your face while lifting your torso. Make sure your glutes come off the pad as you crunch, fully engaging the abs at the top. Control the movement and avoid swinging.”
Seated Oblique Twists
He broke down his seated oblique twist variation, where he leans forward to increase intensity. He explained that it won’t build the obliques since he’s not using weight, instead, it’s meant to help carve out a better taper.
“What I like to do is just a regular twist but with a wide stance that stabilizes my hips so they don’t move. The only thing that moves is my torso and it moves quick,” he shared.
“Then, I go here [lean inward], then go back up, but I’m working all from here and getting a nice taper. I’m not building my obliques because I have no weights with it but I’m moving or I’ll do a crunch [toward the obliques].”
Glass has remained a busy man, consistently offering fans an inside look at his well-crafted workout programs. Recently, he touched on a sneaky glute-building tip and also shared his secret chest growth routine for size and strength.
Regardless of the body part, Glass has tried-and-true methods to help you reach a new level of fitness. He believes these four ab exercises will help individuals who are eager to improve their midsection, just as long as they stay consistent.
RELATED: ‘Godfather of Bodybuilding’ Charles Glass Reveals Best Rep Ranges for Fat Loss and Building Mass
Watch the full video from the Get Cut With Glass YouTube channel below:
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