Abdominal Exercises PILATES FOR ABS Cable Oblique Twist (ABS) Dumbbell Side bend Knee Raise AB Roller Bench Crunch Bench Crunch Crossover Follow lessons top to bottom All Exercises Why are abdominal gym exercises so important? Mayo Clinic – Core exercises improve your balance and stability It includes your pelvis, lower back, hips and stomach. The stomach muscles are sometimes referred to as the abs. Core exercises train the muscles in your core to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and steadiness, also called stability.