7-Minute Morning Core Routine That Actually Strengthens Your Abs

In the era where the fitness trend is at its peak, and more and more people are going to the gym – there is still a crowd of people who do not take core training seriously. In weight training – the core strength is one of the most important aspects that determines the quality of your workout.

It is because – your core acts as a stabilizing center that connects your upper body to the lower body. Also, the stronger your core muscles are – it will be able to support a better body posture, assist with breathing mechanics and transfer force efficiently during every workout movement. Not only this, a better core strength reduces any risk of injuries, increases athletic performance and even enhances everyday activities like bending, lifting and walking properly.

Then what is the real problem here – It is that many people do not train their core as passionately as they train their chest, back, arms or leg muscles. Well, we are not going to understand again and again what are the benefits of training your core. Instead, what we can do is – make core training programs smartly. That is short yet effective.

So, if you are short on time, you can do the following core exercises that target all the major abdominal muscles – and which can be done under 10 to 15 minutes.

[Also See: The Core Strength Test That Reveals Weak Abs in Seconds]

The 7-Minute Core Circuit

Here is what you have to do:

Read the instructions carefully
Understand how the 6 below mentioned abs exercises work – in a circuit.
Perform all the six exercises back to back with minimal rest – This is one complete set.
Take 60 to 90 seconds rest between each set.
Do total number of 3 to 4 sets.
Each set contain 15 to 20 repetitions.

1. Dead Bug (10–12 reps per side)

How To Do Deadbugs:

On a yoga mat, lie on your back with both arms extended and knees bent at 90 degrees.
Raise both of your arms towards the roof.
Coordinate your left leg with your right arm – and right leg with left arm.
Lower your left leg and extended right arm close to the floor.
Come back to initial position.
Now, lower your right leg and extended right arm to the floor.

2. Plank Shoulder Taps (20 taps total)

How To Do Plank Shoulder Taps:

Start the exercise with the high plank position – both arms extended.
Maintain balance and – touch right palm to your left shoulder.
Similarly, touch left palm to the right shoulder.
Maintain overall strict body posture and stability.

[Also See: The Yoga Pose That Instantly Opens Tight Hips After Long Sitting]

3. Bicycle Crunch (12–15 reps per side)

How To Do Bicycle Crunches:

Lie on the yoga mat – keep your arms close to the body and legs straight.
Coordinate your right elbow with left knee – and left elbow with the right knee.
Flex your abdominals by touching left elbow to the right knee
Immediately go for right elbow and left knee.
Maintain a steady pace, and controlled tempo until the set is complete.

4. Lying Leg Raises (12–15 reps)

How To Do Lying Leg Raises:

Lie down on the mat with legs straight and hands to your sides – this is your starting position.
Keep your upper body still – raise your legs up.
Keep your legs at 90 degrees from the hip joint – without bending your knees.
Hold for a brief pause – and lower the legs slowly.
But do not let your heels touch the floor until the set is complete.
Breadth out when you lift your legs ups.
Breadth in when lowering your legs.

[Also See: 6 Muscle-Building Habits Most Gym-Goers Completely Ignore]

5. Russian Twists (20 reps total)

How To Do Russian Twists:

Sit on the floor – and bend your knees at 90 degrees.
Slightly raise your heels from the ground.
Maintain this position – start side to side torso rotation with a neutral spine.
To raise the exercise impact, do it with a medicine ball.S

6. Forearm Plank (30–45 seconds)

How To Do Forearm Planks:

On a mat, raise your body with only your toes and forearms touching the floor.
Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels.
Properly engage your abdominal and glute muscles.
Avoid arching your spine.

Editor’s Note: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult your physician or a qualified personal trainer before starting any workout or nutrition program