Sometimes you only have a few minutes to squeeze in a workout. Whether you’re pressed for time or simply want to get an effective ab workout in-between gym days, try this quick ab workout routine to blast your core into shape.
Start sitting on the floor (preferably on a yoga mat) and set a timer for two minutes where you can easily see it.
You’ll be doing each of these exercises for 20 seconds, with no rest in between. Do as many reps as you can within 20 seconds before moving on to the next move. Make sure to warm up a little and stretch beforehand, to avoid injury.
Ready? Here we go!
Crunches
You know the drill. Place your feet flat on the floor with your knees together. Contract your abs as you carefully lift your shoulders off the mat, then curl yourself back down. Repeat for 20 seconds.
Knee-To-Elbow Crunches
Like regular crunches, but with a lateral twist. Contract your abs as you life your torso, twisting so that you bring your left elbow to meet your right knee. On the next rep, switch sides so your right elbow meets your left knee. Continue alternating for 20 seconds.
Flutter Kicks
Lie back on the mat with your hands flat on the ground beside you, and your legs fully extended. Lift your back up slightly and both of your legs up in the air, so your body is in the shape of a V, and move your legs up and down in a swift, fluttering motion. Keep your legs straight and focus on keeping your abs tight. Do this for 20 seconds.
Scissors
These are similar to flutter kicks, but with a twist (literally!). As you flutter, twist your legs over each other, in and out, crossing one leg over the other in the air like scissors. (Check out this video to see how its done). Continue for 20 seconds.
Hundreds
Lie flat on your back and lift your legs straight up into the air, so they are perpendicular to the ground. Gently lift your head and shoulders, keeping the bottoms of your shoulder blades on the ground. Extend your arms straight forward on either side of your thighs, and pulse them up and down for 20 seconds.
Sitting Twists
Sit up with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent. Put your hands together, and twist your torso to one side, bring your hands all the way down to hip level. Twist back to the other side, and continue alternating for the final 20 seconds.
About the Author: CALEB PALMQUIST
