To make the most of this 10-minute ab workout, we collected five exercises that target the abs but offer additional benefits. Not only does that make the workout more fun, but it makes it more effective, too.
Full-Body Ab Workout
Equipment needed: None
Directions: After warming up with two minutes of light cardio (find inspiration here [1]), perform each exercise for 45 seconds, keeping good form, before moving to the next. Repeat the circuit twice through.
Exercises:
- Squat to side crunch
- Plank with arm circle
- Trunk twist
- Pilates scissors
- Frogger
Keep reading for detailed descriptions, including photos, of each exercise.
Squat With Standing Side Crunch
Work your legs and abs with this one move.
- As you return to standing from your squat, bring your right elbow to your right knee to perform a side crunch.
- Alternate sides with every rep.
- Repeat for 45 seconds.
Plank With Arm Circle
Work your abs to stabilize your torso as you alternate circling your arms while holding a plank.
- In a plank position, reach your left arm back and then circle it overhead, bringing your palm back to the floor; repeat on the other side.
- The wider your feet are, the more stable you will be. Do not let your pelvis drift toward the ceiling.
- Repeat for 45 seconds.
Trunk Twist
Not only does this exercise work the abs, but it also provides a nice stretch for your back and outer hip.
- On your back with knees bent to 90 degrees, twist your torso to lower your legs to the floor.
- Use your abs to return your legs to starting position, then switch sides.
- Repeat for 45 seconds.
Pilates Scissors
This classic Pilates ab exercise provides a great hamstring stretch, too.
- Lie on your back with both legs in the air and your head and shoulders off the ground; hold your right ankle as you lower your left leg toward the floor.
- Keep your abs pulled to your spine, and switch legs.
- Repeat for 45 seconds.
Frogger
We love how this move works the arms and the abs while raising the heart rate — triple win.
- Start in a plank position, jump both feet to your hands, and then jump your legs back to plank.
- You can modify by stepping your feet to your hands one at a time and then stepping back into plank.
- Repeat for 45 seconds.