A 10-Minute Ab Workout: Hello, Six-Pack

Whether you’re bikini-bound for a tropical vacation or just want to look swell in a slinky dress, this 10-minute ab workout, based on Leandro Carvalho’s popular Brazilian Tummy Tuck class at Equinox Fitness in New York, will firm your core. Do it two to three times a week.

The chop A
for legs, hips, arms, and core
A. Stand with your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your arms down by your sides. Touch your right toe to the floor and twist your body slightly to the left while extending your left arm up.

B.

Swing your left arm across your body, keeping your left leg slightly bent and left toe on the ground. Bend your right leg, twist your torso to the right, and reach down until you touch the floor about 4 inches outside your right foot with your left hand. Your gaze should follow your hand throughout the move. Do 20 reps, then switch sides and repeat.

Trainer tip: For an extra challenge, hold a 5-pound dumbbell with your left hand as you twist (switch hands when you switch sides).

for legs, shoulders, and core

A.

Lie on a mat with your knees bent and feet on the floor, and hold a 5-pound dumbbell in each hand near your chest, arms bent. Lift your knees until they’re directly above your hips and point your toes toward the ceiling.

B.

Without straining your neck, lift your shoulder blades and twist your torso to the left, extending your right arm to the outside of your left knee. Lower your torso to the mat and the dumbbells to your chest, then repeat, twisting to the right to complete the rep. Do 20 reps.

for legs, core, and chest

A.

Lie on your back on a mat with arms and legs extended, forming a T; hold a 5-pound dumbbell in your left hand. Bend and raise left leg until left knee is directly over left hip.

B.

Lift your shoulder blades slightly and pass the dumbbell from your left hand to your right hand under your left leg. Then, holding the weight in your right hand, extend both arms until they’re parallel with your shoulders to complete the rep. Pass the dumbbell 20 times. Return to starting position, then switch sides and repeat.