This 10-Minute Core Workout Will Leave Your Abs Worked

Updated on 12/1/2018 at 7:55 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Kyle Hartman

Give us 10 minutes and we will have you feeling your abs! Working your abs from a variety of angles with these 10 different exercises translates to a strong and tight core. And with no equipment needed, you can do this workout anywhere.

All-Abs Workout

Equipment needed: None.

Directions: Perform each exercise for 30 seconds and then repeat one more time. Cool down with a few minutes of stretching (find inspiration here).

Exercises:

Plank to runner's lunge
Elbow plank
Seated sidewinders
Sit-up
Side plank right
Side plank left
Seated Russian twist
Leg flutters
Push-up to side plank
Superman

Keep reading for detailed explanations and photos of each of the exercises.

Plank to Runner's Lunge

If you run, this stretch will feel great on the front of your hips.

Start in plank position and bring your left foot to the outside of your left hand. Bend your elbows slowly to deepen the stretch.
Return your left leg back to plank position and repeat on the other side.
Keep alternating sides for 30 seconds.

Elbow Plank

This isometric exercise builds core strength and can help improve your posture too.

Come into a plank with your forearms on the floor and your elbows directly under your shoulders. Contract your abdominals to keep your torso stable.
Hold for 30 seconds.

Seated Sidewinders

We love this twisting exercise to warm up the core and work the obliques.

Begin sitting on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Lengthen your spine to keep your back straight.
Pulling your navel in tight, twist from right to left, lightly touching both hands from side to side to complete one rep/rotation.
Keep twisting from side to side for 30 seconds.

Sit-Up

Work your abs and spinal flexibility with this classic sit-up.

Lie on your back with bent knees and your feet flat on the ground with your arms reaching toward the ceiling.
Keeping your heels on the ground, engage your abdominal muscles and roll through the spine, coming to a seated position.
Hold the position for a second and, with control, come slowly back to lying on your back.

Side Plank Right

Side plank is great for activating the abs, especially the obliques.

Balance on the right hand and the outside edge of the right foot with the body in one straight line. To modify, stagger your feet and bring your top leg forward.

Side Plank Left

It's normal for side plank to feel more challenging on one side compared to the other.

Balance on your left hand and the outside edge of your left foot with your body in one straight line. To modify, stagger your feet and bring your top leg forward.

Seated Russian Twist

This is our go-to ab exercise since it works all four layers of the abdominal muscles.

Sit on the ground and lean slightly back without rounding your spine at all. It is really important, and difficult, to keep your back straight, but don't let it curve.
Pull your navel to your spine and twist to the left. Inhale through center and rotate to the right.
Keep twisting from side to side for 30 seconds.

Leg Flutters

You need to work your abs to stabilize your low back while criss-crossing your legs, which also works your inner thighs.

Lie on your back and place your hands under your pelvis with your palms on the floor to help protect your lower back.
Pull your abs to your spine and round your low back, then lift your legs up to a 45-degree angle. Cross your right leg over your left, then switch. Keep your low spine pushing in to your hands as you continue criss-crossing your legs for 30 seconds.

Push-Up to Side Plank

If you really focus on keeping your torso solid while doing a push-up, you will feel your abs kick in.

Perform a push-up.
Then lift your left arm toward the ceiling, twisting into a side plank by balancing on your right arm, making a T shape with your body.
Return to plank. Perform a push-up, then rotate to the other side.

Superman

After all that ab work, it's important to work your back for balance.

Lie face down on your stomach with your arms and legs extended.
Keeping your arms and legs straight (but not locked) and your torso stationary, simultaneously lift your arms and legs up toward the ceiling (your back arches and your arms and legs lift several inches off the floor).
Hold for two to five seconds and lower your limbs and head to complete one rep. Repeat this motion for 30 seconds.
Take a quick Child's Pose to stretch your back as needed.