I had someone ask me the other day, “What about some alternative abdominal exercises?”  Well here you go…  Towel Swings.

1. Grab a towel or rope, and a weight or object with a hole in a it.  Kettlebells are ideal, but a 10 lb plate will work just fine.

2. Thread your towel/ rope through the handle of the kettlebell or the hole in the plate, some room,  and you are in business.

Towel swings of all varieties between the legs and overhead can be performed with a towel/rope and a weight, all great alternatives to your tired old crunches.  The low stance towel swing or towel swing from the squat position (shown below) is an advanced move that will be sure to challenge. Steve’s example (clip below) is nice with the added movement and change of direction. Other variations include standing, one leg, one arm, and stationary towel swings.  The dynamic nature and multi plane aspect of these exercises goes above and beyond your traditional abdominal work.  Additional benefits include improved stability, and shoulder mobility.

Note: Towel swings vs. kettlebell towel swings, the swing pictured below, is a completely different movement than the towel swing (or overhead swing).

Other exercises with the towel include kettlebell swings (below clip), arm curls, and tricep extensions.  For other alternatives, see my post on The Bulgarian Training Bag and Exercises.