If you don't like going to the gym or want to simply switch up your ab workout routine, this is for you.
Each exercise is done for approximately thirty seconds to a minute, so set your phone or watch timer for six minutes, place it next to you or somewhere you can see it with a quick glance and begin. Try not to stop in between exercises, and repeat as desired (if you dare)...
1. 1-Minute Cross-Body Extended Leg Crunches
Lying flat on your back, cross one arm over your body, reaching for the opposite leg. Lower arms and legs in a slow, controlled way, and alternate sides for the duration of the minute.
Video Credit: Built Lean
2. 1-Minute Cross Body Crunches
Lying flat on your back, lace your fingers behind your head, keeping your elbows bent, and cross one elbow over your body at a time, reaching for the opposite bent knee. Alternate sides for the duration of the minute.
Video Credit: FitHo Wellness
3. 30-Second Raised Leg Bent Knee (Reverse) Crunches
Go slow and squeeze your core for each of these. Do as many as you can in thirty seconds. For added lumbar support and comfort, place a small towel underneath the lower back.
Video Credit: So Train Me
4. 30-Second Flutter Kicks
Slowly alternately raise and lower legs to work the lower abdominal muscles. If you find that your lower back is arching too much, place your hands underneath your tailbone to ensure that only your lower ab muscles are being engaged instead of your back.
Video Credit: FitnessBlender
5. 30-Second Ankle Reaches
Having your legs back on the ground should feel like a relief at this point...keep going, only two minutes left to go!
Video Credit: Rachel Eslick
6. 30-Second Double Leg Lift
At this point, you're probably feeling your lower abdominal muscles working hard, while your upper abdominal muscles take a break. Remember to make precise, controlled movements so as to both avoid injury as well as feel the full effect of the exercise.
Video Credit: LivestrongWoman
7. 30-Second Russian Twists
For added resistance or increased difficulty, hold a weight in your hands while you twist.
Video Credit: LivestrongWoman
8. 30-Second Bicycles
This is where you might start to feel like you can't continue, but keep going! Only a minute left once you're done with this exercise!
Video Credit: Workout Warriors
9. 30-Second Cross-Body Mountain Climbers
Maintain a flat back and straight arms as you perform this exercise. Ignore the quantities she lists in the video, and do as many as you can in thirty seconds.
Video Credit: Fitwirr
10. 30-Second Forearm Plank
You did it!! The last exercise!! Only thirty seconds! Keep your back flat, your core tight, and don't forget to breathe!
Video Credit: Dr. Oz
Wooo! You made it! Now stretch it out and repeat as desired or take a breath and hit that "Next Episode" button.
Note: This exercise routine has not been created by a certified health professional, but is simply the routine I use multiple times per week and was assembled by me. This routine is likely not recommended for anyone who may be pregnant or have other health issues. If you have questions or concerns about if your ability to complete the exercises due to pre-/existing health conditions, please contact your physician prior to performing any of the exercises.
