If I had a dollar for every time I’d skipped out on the abs section of a workout… well, let’s just say I’d probably have enough cash-money to just buy myself a six-pack via some of that abdominal etching surgery instead*.

I think it’s because I used to tack them onto the end of a workout, which meant by the time I was supposed to be doing my first set of hell oblique crunches I was already a hot sweaty mess that wanted nothing more than to escape to the shower. These days my workouts are less frenetic and waaaaaaaaay less sweaty, and I’ve actually come to enjoy the old oblique crunch and his many pals. In fact, some days I’ll actually do an abs workout at home while I’m watching Masterchef, just, you know, because!

This little 10-minute ab workout kicks off by warming up through the entire mid section, and difficulty increases from there. Perform each movement in a really slow and controlled manner for maximum effectiveness, aim for the shakes, and always ALWAYS keep your core connected.

10-minute ab workout (no equipment)

10 exercises |45 seconds work | 15 seconds rest

1. Crunches – level 1 (feet flat on floor)
2. Oblique crunches – level 1 (feet flat on floor, alternating sides, hips do not move)
3. Toe taps (imprint lower back into mat, legs at tabletop, alternating sides)
4. High plank
5. Crunches – level 2 (legs at tabletop)
6. Oblique crunches – level 2 (legs at tabletop, alternating sides, hips do not move)
7. Leg extensions (imprint lower back into mat, legs begin at tabletop, alternating sides)
8. Mountain climbers
9. Low plank
10. Pilates 100

Have a splendid four-day week Aussies, and to everyone else, happy Monday!

Jess xx

*FYI and in case there’s any confusion… you can chalk abdominal etching surgery up under ‘things I’ll never be doing’, along with bungee jumping and owning a ferret.