A 4-Minute Abs Series You Can Do Before Breakfast

Jovana Rikalo / Stocksy; Graphic by Jocelyn Runice

The making of great abs include doing smart core-strengthening moves, following a healthy and balanced diet, and logging total-body cardio sessions regularly. Yes it takes work, but it doesn’t have to be all-consuming. To kick off your abs by December plan, Toby Massenburg, group fitness manager at the soon-to-open Equinox Hollywood, shares a quick four-minute core workout you can do at home. The routine helps build core stability (important for definition and helping to reduce your risk of injury) and strength. And there’s not a single crunch involved. 

How To Do The Workout:

Do each move for 20 seconds resting 10 seconds between each exercise. Repeat the full circuit a total of two times. 

1. Marching Glute Bridge — 20 seconds

Whitney Thielman

• Lie faceup on your mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift hips off the mat. This is your starting position.
• Keeping your right knee bent, lift your right foot off the floor. Try to keep your hips still.
• Return your right foot to the ground but keep your hips lifted.
• Now repeat on your left foot, keeping your hips lifted the entire time.
• Continue for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next move.

2. V-Up — 20 seconds

Whitney Thielman

• Lie face up with arms and legs extended and resting on the floor.
• Keep abs tight and lift hands and feet to meet over torso.
• Lower your arms and legs back to the floor.
• Continue for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next move.

3. Plank Up — 20 seconds

Whitney Thielman

• Start in high plank. Bend one arm to bring the elbow and forearm to the floor.
• Bring the other arm down so you are in a forearm plank.
• Push back up to the start position, placing each hand where your elbows were.
• Repeat this movement, alternating which side you lower first with each rep.
• Continue for 20 seconds then rest for 10 seconds before moving on to the next move.

4. Superman — 20 seconds 

Whitney Thielman

• Lie face down with your arms out in front of you.
• Lift your torso and legs off the floor. Pause and then slowly lower everything back down.
• Hold for 20 seconds.

Repeat this circuit a total of two times without resting between each set.

Related:

• 19 Exercises For A Butt That Won’t Quit
• Try This 5-Minute Abs Workout For A Spectacular Core
• 21 Pairs Of Workout Leggings That Are Comfy And Stylish

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