Popsugar Health & Fitness Running Tips 3 Ab Workouts I Always Do Before a Run I Never Go For a Run Without Tackling One of These Tough Ab Workouts First 23 November 2019 by Maggie Ryan Image Source: Getty / Thomas Tolstrup I never go for a run without doing an ab workout first. Why? It warms up my body, gets me in the mood to work out, and — most importantly — engages my core, which is key before any workout. (It's also fine to do abs after a run when your body is all warmed up; I just prefer to get it out of the way!) Over the years, I've tried a ton of pre-run ab workouts and narrowed it down to my top three: two 10-minute Youtube videos and one three-minute plank workout right here on POPSUGAR. That supershort option is perfect for my rushed weekday morning runs. Before a longer weekend route, I'll pull up one of the longer, more challenging videos. Switching off between the three options ensures that my abs get a new challenge every time. Keep reading for my three favourite pre-run core workouts and try one for yourself next time you want to work your abs before the rest of your body, or any time you just want a quick, effective core challenge. Related: Should I Foam Roll Before or After a Workout? A Physical Therapist Has the Answer Best Ab Workout in 10 Minutes by Boho Beautiful This is one of my all-time favourite ab workouts. No matter how many times I follow this gorgeous beachside ab video, the final creepy crawler plank sequence never gets easier. My shoulders and core are trembling by the end! 1 / 3 Abs & Core Workout Challenge by Boho Beautiful This Pilates-infused ab workout stretches out my hamstrings and lights up my lower abs with single leg lifts, bicycle crunches, and some tough plank variations at the end. 2 / 3 3-Minute Plank Workout For Runners Image Source: Getty / franckreporter Just three minutes long, this designed-for-runners plank workout is my go-to when I have zero time but still want to work my core. It combines four plank variations for a burn you won't believe. Hold each of the following planks for 30 seconds: Elbow plank Elbow plank with leg lift Side plank on the left Side plank on the right Elbow plank Spider-Man plank (aka creepy crawler) Check out the full article for more info on this challenging plank workout for runners. 3 / 3 Running TipsAb WorkoutsRunningWorkouts