Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
You've Never Felt Your Abs Burning Like This! Grab 2 Towels and Try These 3 Moves

Exercises Using Towels

You've Never Felt Your Abs Burning Like This! Grab 2 Towels and Try These 3 Moves

Exercises Using Towels
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Benjamin Stone

If you hate crunches, trade them for these three moves! These exercises are so intense, they'll fire up your core faster and more effectively — all you need are two hand towels. Try these moves and see what we mean — be prepared to be sore for days. If you're on carpet, use two paper plates instead.

After you learn these three core-busting moves, check out the two bonus videos at the end to show you more exercise moves using hand towels.

Sliding Elbow Plank

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios
  • Begin in an elbow plank position with a small, folded towel under each elbow. Keep your elbows directly under your shoulders, back flat (neutral spine), and core tight!
  • Slide your right elbow forward until your arm is nearly fully extended. With control, bring the right elbow back to centre.
  • Repeat on the left side. This completes one rep. Continue alternating for 30 to 60 seconds.
  • If you need to modify, you can drop to your knees (while keeping your back straight and core tight); you'll still work the core and triceps!
1 / 5

Mountain Climber Sliders

Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios
  • With the towels under your feet, start in a basic, straight-arm plank position.
  • Then, as if you were actually running, pull one knee toward your chest, dragging your foot on your "slider" along the floor. As you push that leg back, pull the other knee forward. Quickly continue running or "climbing" in place for 30 to 60 seconds.
2 / 5

Plank to Pike

Plank to Pike
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios
  • Begin in plank position with two towels under the balls of your feet.
  • Slowly bend both knees in toward the chest while keeping the arms straight, shoulders over the wrists, and maintaining a flat, tabletop back.
  • After doing 10 reps, draw both knees to the right foot for five reps and then to the left foot for five.
  • Repeat this 20-rep sequence two more times.
3 / 5

Get Ready to Sweat With This Towel Workout From Madonna's Trainer!

Get Ready to Sweat With This Towel Workout From Madonna's Trainer!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

You can tone your entire body and workout like Madonna using only a towel with moves created by her trainer, Nicole Winhoffer. Watch this video to learn four fun moves.

4 / 5

20-Minute Workout to Glide Your Way to Flat Abs — All You Need Is a Towel

20-Minute Workout to Glide Your Way to Flat Abs — All You Need Is a Towel
Image Source: POPSUGAR Studios

Here's a 20-minute strength-training session that will teach you how to use your towel like a glider to challenge your abs and legs.

5 / 5
Long Live the Rise of the “Ridiculous” Workouts
Fitness Tips
Long Live the Rise of the "Ridiculous" Workouts
by Rhiannon-Evans 2 weeks ago
Do You Really Need Whole Body Deodorant?
Shoppable
Let Us Sweat In Peace! Why This Editor Refuses To Wear Full Body Deodorant
by Lauren Ezekiel 29/2
Women Need Less Exercise Than Men For Longevity
health
Women Can Work Out Less Than Men and Still Have a Lower Risk of Dying
by Chandler Plante 20/2
I Tried Alicia Keys's Favourite Workout Class, The Class
Hype Check
I Tried Alicia Keys's Favourite Workout Class, and It Was a Different Kind of Intense
by Chandler Plante 14/2
What Is Step Aerobics?
Fitness Tips
Inside Step: The 80s Workout Class That Is Going Viral on TikTok
by Aaliyah Harry 09/2
30-Minute Lower-Body Workout With Dumbbells
Dumbbell Workouts
This 30-Minute Dumbbell and Bands Workout Makes For the Best Leg Day
by Chandler Plante 04/2

Now You Know

Which Love Island Couples Are Still Together?

Entertainment

The "Love Island" Couples Still Together Prove Reality TV Can Work as Cupid

by Joely Chilcott 15/1

Entertainment

The Latest "Priscilla" Trailer Highlights the Ups and Downs of Her Relationship With Elvis

by Eden Arielle Gordon 04/10/23

Entertainment

Why Are So Many of Us Personally Invested in Celebrity Breakups?

by Ali Faccenda 03/10/23

Entertainment

Miley Cyrus Responds to Video of Adele Praising "Used to Be Young" at Las Vegas Show

by Eden Arielle Gordon 30/8/23

Latest Health & Fitness
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2024 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.