Wellness Wednesday: 15 Minute Ab Burner (Body Sculpt Series)

Oh hi! Can you believe it’s already April? I CANNOT wait for patio season here in Chicago and heading to some baseball games at Wrigley!

Lately It’s been so much fun to see everyone out and about during the weekdays and of course, the lakeshore has been packed with people running, walking and biking. It’s nothing like running around the track on the Princess Cruise ship when it’s sailing the ocean, but it’s definitely still beautiful.

Of course, we all know that Summer follows Spring and certainly that it’ll be time to hit the beach. I don’t know about you, but my abs always need some work before bikini season. They’re one of the hardest muscles to work and achieve a nice, toned look. But who doesn’t love a good workout challenge?!

I’m teaming up with Lee from Fit Foodie Finds again to bring you another at home heart-pumping workout! Yep, that’s right — this workout can be done anywhere and will absolutely help to tone up your abs. You can do it every day if you’d like, or every other day. I never get sick of these exercises plus it’s always fun to work up to a full set if you are new to working out.

Best of all, this workout only takes 15 minutes to complete. I enjoy doing it in the morning before a big breakfast. 

Here are directions on how to do each exercise:

Russian Twist: Grab a dumbbell and sit on the floor with your hips and knees bent at 90 degrees. Hold the weight straight out in front of you and keep your back straight. Twist your torso as far as you can to the left, and then reverse the motion, twisting as far as you can to the right. That’s one rep. Repeat 16 times for the first set, then 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2. Modify the exercise by placing feet on the floor and simply leaning back until you feel your core engaged.

V-ups: Lie completely flat on the ground. With legs straight and together, bring them up towards your torso; while legs are raised reach for your toes with your hands holding a dumbbell. Return to starting position. Repeat 16 times for the first set, then 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2. Modify by using no weights.

High Plank Step Outs: Start in plank position with wrists and hands directly under shoulders. Extend your left leg out to the side, tapping your toes to the ground, then bring your foot back into static plank position. Repeat the same movement with your right leg to complete one rep. Repeat 16 times for the first set, then 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2.

Bicycle Twists: Lie flat on the floor with your lower back pressed to the ground. For this exercise, you will need to put your hands beside your head. Lift your shoulders into the crunch position, next, lift your legs straight up. This will be your starting position. Go through a bicycle pedal motion, alternatively touching elbows to the opposite knee as you twist back and forth. Repeat 16 times for the first set, then 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2.

If you like this workout, be sure to check out our other workouts here: Body Sculpt Series 30 minute workout and Rock your Body Circuit Workout.

Need healthy and easy breakfast inspiration for after your morning workout?

Lee has the best recipes for overnight oats including PB & J, French Toast and Moose Tracks! All of them are healthy and a great way to help you stay on track during a busy week. I love the PB & J one best. Hello peanut butter lovers!

Hope you enjoy this workout.

[Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. The workout is a reflection of a workout I learned while on the ship. Please note that I am not a medical professional nor am I a personal trainer. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about an exercise program.]