Everybody knows that abs are an essential part of every well-rounded fitness routine. Having a strong core will help you in your everyday life, even performing the simplest tasks can become effortless with a strong core.  

Although abs are made in the kitchen, you still need to strengthen them in the gym. Try this 10-minute ab circuit you can complete every day for a shredded mid-section.  

3 rounds: Complete each exercise for 30 seconds and move directly into the next exercise with no rest in between. Rest for 1 minute between each round.  

TABATA PLANKS - 20 SECOND PLANK, 10 SECOND BREAK - 8 ROUNDS (4 MIN TOTAL)

  • Begin with your forearms placed directly under your shoulders 
  • Position your feet hip-distance apart, push your toes into the floor and squeeze your glutes to help stabilize your body 
  • Keep your neck, head and spine in a neutral position as you breathe deeply and hold the position 

C-CRUNCH ABDOMINAL CURLS - 3 SETS OF 12-15 REPS

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart 
  •  Bend your elbows and bring your fingers to your temples keeping elbows wide 
  •  Together lift your head, shoulders and both feet off the floor, bringing your chest and knees towards one another 
  •  Pause at the top of this movement, then simultaneously, slowly lower your head, shoulders and feet to the floor for one rep 

JACKKNIFE SIT-UPS - 3 SETS OF 10 REPS

  • Lie flat on your back extending your arms straight back behind you and fully extend your legs 
  • Bend at your waist and at the same time, raise your legs and arms to meet in a closed jackknife position 
  • Return to the starting position by lowering your arms and legs back to the floor for one rep 

RUSSIAN TWISTS - 3 SETS OF 10-15 REPS

  • Sit on the ground with your knees bent towards your chest and your feet slightly lifted off the floor 
  • Clasp your hands together in front of your chest 
  • Rotate your arms and torso to one side and pause momentarily before returning to centre for one rep 
  • Be sure to keep your stomach pulled inward and the abdominals engaged throughout the duration of the movement 

REVERSE CRUNCHES - 3 SETS OF 12-15 REPS

  • Begin on your back, arms by your side and palms facing down to help maintain balance 
  • Bend your knees 90 degrees and lift your feet up so your thighs are perpendicular to the floor 
  • Press your palms into the floor as you crunch your knees into your chest 
  • Pause briefly at the top of this movement then lower your legs slowly, in a controlled manner, back to the ground without letting your back arch off the ground for one rep