As a fitness professional, I am frequently asked whether short core workouts can provide noticeable results.
The answer is yes. That is why I teamed up with our in-house exercise physiologist to create a 7-minute ab workout that will leave you with a strong, defined core.
We focused on anti-movement exercises, which are incredibly effective for strengthening your core muscles. But we also added a bit of dynamic movement to challenge your abs.
Quick Summary
- The 7-minute ab workout includes six exercises: dead bugs, side planks, inchworms walkout, bridge holds, bicycle crunches, and mountain climbers.
- The 7-minute ab training program alternates between 30 secs of high-intensity movement and ten secs of rest.
- High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) involves intense exercises that can deliver significant benefits in a short amount of time.
7-Minute Abs Workout Routine
Perform two rounds of the core exercises below to get the maximum benefit.
Do as many reps of each exercise for 30 seconds each. Rest for ten minutes between workouts to allow for proper recovery.
1. Dead bug
How to do this exercise:
- Lay on the back and bring your arms above your head, perpendicular to the ground. Bend your knees at a 90-degree angle.
- Slowly lower your left arm and extend the right leg, stopping just before touching the ground.
- Bring your leg and arms back to return to your starting position. Keep your core tight throughout the motion.
- Continue alternating arms and legs for 30 seconds.
2. Side Plank
How to perform this exercise:
- Lie on the side with your forearm supporting your body.
- Hold your body in a straight line.
- Put your elbow under your shoulder and keep your arm at a 90-degree angle.
- Put pressure on your wrist and elbow instead of shoulders, and keep your chest open.
- Slowly lower back down.
- Repeat for 30 seconds.
3. Inchworm Walkout
How to do this exercise:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Bend over, keeping your legs extended while placing your hands on the ground.
- Walk your hands forward while keeping the abs contracted until your body forms a straight line.
- Repeat for thirty seconds.
4. Bridge Hold
How to do this exercise:
- Lay on the back with your legs bent and feet flat.
- Place hands on the floor beside you.
- Drive through your heels, extending your body off the floor.
- Hold a second while squeezing your abs, then lower your body to return to the starting position.
- Do as many reps as you can for 30 seconds.
5. Bicycle Crunch
How to perform this exercise:
- Lay on your back.
- Bring both knees up, flex your spine, and take your hands behind your head.
- Bring your right knee as you bring your left elbow towards it.
- Continue on the other side.
- Repeat for 30 seconds.
6. Mountain Climbers
How to do this exercise:
- Get into a high plank position forming a straight line from your head to your glutes.
- Place your wrists right below your shoulder.
- Pull your right knee to your chest and bring it back. Keep your arms straight and core engaged throughout this movement.
- Switch to the left knee and continue to alternate for 30 seconds.
“You should do a light warmup before diving into the 7-minute workout. This will help lower your risk of injury by preparing your muscles and joints for the workout ahead.”
- Katey Davidson, Registered Dietitian
What Are the Pros of the 7-Minute Ab Workout?
By combining aerobic and resistance training exercises using body weight, this workout will allow you to:
- Promote weight loss - Using multiple large muscles with little rest between sets increases catecholamines and growth hormone levels in the blood, boosting the metabolic rate [1].
- Reduce insulin resistance - The HICT method used in our 7 minutes ab exercise can also reduce insulin resistance, reducing your chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Increase core strength - While the 7-minute ab workout can reduce your body and belly fat, it may be less effective in increasing strength and power [2].
Related post: 30 Minute Ab Workout: Sculpt Your Abs with These Exercises
FAQs
What Are the Most Effective Ab Exercises?
The most effective ab exercises are bicycle crunches, mountain climbers, bridge holds, inchworm walkouts, side planks, sit-ups, pallof presses, hanging knee raises, and dead bugs.
Is 7 Minutes Enough for Ab Workout?
Yes, 7 minutes ab workout is enough for you. Remember that the workout’s effectiveness doesn’t solely rely on the duration. The key to a successful ab workout in such a short time lies in the exercise selection and intensity.
Add a High-Quality Protein Powder to Help Build Muscle
If you're looking to get "killer abs," it takes a combination of factors, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, body fat reduction, and consistency, especially regarding lower abs.
I also suggest to my clients to add one of the protein powders below:
Our tests indicate that these supplements can help you speed up recovery and increase muscle mass.
References:
- https://journals.lww.com/acsm-healthfitness/Fulltext/2013/05000/HIGH_INTENSITY_CIRCUIT_TRAINING_USING_BODY_WEIGHT_.5.aspx
- https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/1992/05000/Impact_of_Nutritional_Supplements_and_Resistance.1.aspx
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