at home ab-circuit

(Don't mind my cat, he loves to photobomb my selfies) Anyways...

I wanted to write out one of my favorite ab circuits that does not require a gym! Just a mat and some motivation. Let's get started!

Before doing any form of exercise, you always, always need to warm up. I recommend doing 10-15 burpees to really get the blood flowing. You can substitute burpees for 25-30 jumping jacks.

Follow this by completing 10-15 squats using just your body weight. Squats are a great exercise to get your whole body working and will activate not only your legs but your core as well.

After you're all warmed up, complete the following...

1.) Plank : 1 Minute

Perform 3 times, resting 30 seconds between sets.

2.) Side Plank: 1 Minute (each side)

a. rest on your forearm, elevating your entire body while placing your opposite hand on your hip for balance

Perform 3 times on each side, resting 30 seconds between sets.

3.) Supermans: Hold for 5 seconds

Complete 10 times, rest for 10 seconds between sets.

4.) Jack-Knives (These are excellent for getting those nice defined lines on the side of your core)

Complete 3 sets of 10-12, rest for 30 seconds between sets.

5.) Russian Twists (optional: use 5 pound dumbell or weighted exercise ball for added challenge)

Complete 3 sets of 15-20, rest for 30 seconds between sets.

6.) Bicycle Crunches (These are one of my FAVORITE - you really see results with these!)

Complete 3 sets of 15-20, rest for 30 seconds between sets.

7.) Plank Extensions

a. Lay in a plank position, touch your knee to your opposite elbow.

b. Alternate sides for each rep.

Complete 3 sets of 10-12, rest for 30 seconds between sets.

*Keep your core nice and tight and hips square while performing this exercise

Workout Complete! I recommend performing this circuit 3-4 times a week.

Please Note that this is a challenging ab circuit, and even if you can complete half of this, that's an accomplishment. So give yourself a pat on the back, or on the abs rather.