To each their own, but I really don't need more than 10 minutes tops to feel my abs beg (no, demand) for a stoppage to the core workout I'm doing. More important than timing is exercise variety, meaning that you're diversifying the types of moves you're doing. Try some dynamic moves [1], ones on your feet [2] or lying down [3], and others that bring a real challenge such as a reverse plank with a leg lift [4]. It's also important that you hit different parts of your core [5] — you should definitely think outside of the box, because there's a world far beyond crunches [6] waiting for you.
Keep reading for trainer-led ab workout videos that will take you 10 minutes (or less!) to complete right at home. Some require dumbbells; but, of course, you can modify the workouts as needed for your fitness level. Quick and effective workouts always make us feel like we've unlocked a secret to making the most out of our day!
If you're looking for more videos aside from the ones ahead, you can try these these dumbbell-only ab workouts [7], these sessions that are entirely about planks [8], or this equipment-free routine from a trainer [9].
10-Minute Super Tabata Ab Workout From Class FitSugar
You don't need any equipment for Equinox instructor Raneir Pollard's Tabata core workout. You'll do moves like standing oblique crunches, six-inch holds, bicycle crunches, and planks.
10-Minute Dumbbell Ab Workout From Sydney Cummings
NASM-certified trainer Sydney Cummings suggests using a light dumbbell (she's using five pounds), but if you're unsure of what weight to grab, here's a guide for how to choose the right one [11]. You'll do two rounds of five different exercises, starting with toe touches and ending with a "hollow reach and tuck."
10-Minute Ab-Focussed Workout From Class FitSugar
Jake DuPree, a barre- and Pilates-certified trainer, will walk you through different roll-ups (some with cross punches), a series of planks, and more, utilising a set of light weights.
10-Minute Weighted Ab Workout From Mr and Mrs Muscle
Vivienne Addo, one of two personal trainers [12] of the Mr and Mrs Muscles duo, has a 10-minute workout where you'll do four rounds of four different ab exercises: weighted seated cycles, straight-arm sit-ups, mountain climbers with dumbbell taps, and leg-raise switches (or Pilates scissor kicks [13]).
8-Minute Flat-Abs Workout From Class FitSugar
Beachbody trainer Shaun T [14] has seven core-strengthening exercises you can do right at home. All you need is a chair, which you'll use for the last three moves.
10-Minute Core Workout From Love Sweat Fitness
Trainer and Love Sweat Fitness founder Katie Dunlop explains the functions of the core. "Your core is so important for basically every single exercise you'll ever do, and just functioning in life [15]," she says, adding that these muscles help support your posture and aid in twisting, turning, and bending. She'll walk you through planks, bird dogs [16], Superman holds [17], and more.
10-Minute Ab Workout From Brittne Babe
Brittne Jackson (known as Brittne Babe) is a certified personal trainer [18] and fitness influencer. Her ab-training video will have you doing three seated exercises for 30 seconds each blocked off by 15 seconds of rest. You'll do three rounds total with two minutes of rest in between rounds.
10-Minute Standing Ab Workout From Heather Robertson
Follow trainer Heather Robertson as she does a 10-move circuit two times through (each move is done for 30 seconds with no rest in between). Get ready for knee drives, pike kicks, high knees, and more!
10-Minute Ab and Oblique Sculpter From Cassey Ho
Blogilates creator Cassey Ho [19] wants you to focus on the deep abs, six-pack muscles, and obliques. She incorporates an optional five-pound dumbbell into the eight-move routine but says you can use a book, a wine bottle, or something else that has weight to it.
10-Minute Ab Workout From Mr and Mrs Muscle
Addo is back with another 10-minute ab workout, featuring exercises such as lateral hops with a side reaches, frogger variations [20], and squat jump with oblique crunches.
