3 Ab Exercises Mark Wahlberg Swears By for a Chiseled Six

Oct 25, 2023

Our content is fact checked or reviewed by medical and diet professionals to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound nutrition and diet advice.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including medical journals and scientific studies.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy or timeliness of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing [email protected].

Mark Wahlberg has been flexing his six-pack since his early days as the frontman for Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, and at 52, the actor continues to flash his rock-hard abs that still look like his infamous Calvin Klein commercials from decades ago. Given his commitment and dedication to fitness, it's no wonder the action star maintains his sculpted physique and has no problem showing off his toned tummy.

Wahlberg has a strict regime and just a few weeks back, revealed the moves he swears by to get his chiseled abs. Here's a closer look at routine and what experts think.

In the video posted to Instagram a few weeks ago, Wahlberg revealed how he keeps his six-pack and the first exercise was an ab roller, which is "a great workout for toning the stomach muscles," ACE-certified trainer and nutritionist Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, says. She explains why it's an effective move.

RELATED: 5 Best Belly Fat Exercises You Can Do in Just 10 Minutes a Day

Next, Wahlberg targeted his obliques with an exercise called the cable woodchop. "To perform the cable woodchop, you'll need a cable machine with a handle attachment," Sabat says. She shares how to properly do the workout. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-53563316-1&cid=94251254-0cab-430f-acf3-f216b467107d&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=9114067216818041268'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); } else { var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); xhr.send(payload); } } ); }6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

She adds, "For reps, you can do 3 to 4 sets of 12 to 15 reps per side. As with any exercise, ensure you maintain proper form and control throughout the movement."

"I go light on the first set," Wahlberg said as he began his workout on the machine vertical crunch, which targets the upper abdominal muscles "and also engages the hip flexors to a certain extent," Sabat says. Here's how she suggests performing on the machine vertical crunch.

For reps, Sabat recommends, "aiming for 3 to 4 sets of 15 to 20 reps. Maintain a controlled pace and focus on squeezing your abs during each contraction."

RELATED: 8 Easiest Daily Exercises for a Visibly Toned Six-Pack

Throughout his Instagram feed, Wahlberg mentions the "4 a.m. club" frequently, which references the time he's in the gym. He starts early and Sabat explains there are many benefits to doing so.

In the video, Wahlberg says he will fast for a day or two when he needs to get into shape for a role and Sabat explains, "Intermittent fasting has been associated with various health benefits, but its direct connection to toning abs is not specific." She adds, "Fasting, particularly in the morning before a workout, might enhance fat burning during exercise, as your glycogen stores are lower, and the body may rely more on stored fat for energy. However, the most critical factor for toning abs is a combination of consistent exercise that targets the abdominal muscles and a healthy diet that supports muscle growth and fat loss. Remember, 'Abs are made in the kitchen!'"

RELATED: 7 Science-Backed Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

The Ted star targets his abs in a variety of ways which help shape his six-pack, give him lean muscle, and provide stability, support, and balance. In addition to the three moves he features in the video, at the end Wahlberg does sit-ups with a heavyweight to help strengthen his core.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Now, you'll have the best and latest food and healthy eating news right in your inbox—every single day