Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. Toning belts, ab rockers and sweat-inducing lotions might give your wallet a workout, but they won't do much for your core.

So save your money: The only tool you need to get the strong abs of your dreams is your own body (well, that and some persistence).

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 In this equipment-free routine with Luke Milton, certified personal trainer and founder of the online HIIT program Training Mate, you'll work your entire core — including your oft-overlooked obliques — in just 10 minutes.

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 Yep, 10 minutes. But don't think it's going to be easy; keep a towel nearby because you can expect to sweat, Milton says. "We are sweat-friendly at LIVESTRONG.com and we love it."

We also love a quick workout; you don’t need to spend hours on exercise when you’re sticking to tried-and-true ab-building techniques. As Milton says: “You are going to have a taut, terrific ab section in no time at all!”

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 Tip Maximize your efforts on the mat by prepping with a core-activating warm-up. A few reps of cat-cow and dead bug will prime your abs for the hard work to come.

The Workout You’ll perform five exercises for 45 seconds each with a 15-second break between moves for two rounds.

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Bicycle Kick: As you kick each leg, focus on twisting your upper body into your knees with your shoulders off the ground the entire time. Plank Series: Keep your elbows directly beneath your shoulders, Milton says. When you have 20 seconds left on the clock, come to a high plank and alternate tapping your shoulders and hips. 90-Degree Crunch: Try to maintain a 90-degree bend in your knees for the entire 45 seconds. If you need a modification, place your feet on the ground and crunch all the way up so your elbows meet your knees, he says. Side Plank: Plank on one side in the first round and switch sides in the second round. V-Sit: Challenge yourself to keep your feet lifted as you fatigue.

Tip After those 10 intense minutes of core action, treat your midsection to a quick cooldown with a few of the best stretches for your abs. More Core Workouts We Love This 20-Minute Ab Workout Uses Only a Piece of Paper The 41 Hardest Ab Exercises to Challenge Your Core Strength A 20-Minute Resistance Band Workout for a Tighter Core

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Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here.

Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here.

Maximize your efforts on the mat by prepping with a core-activating warm-up. A few reps of cat-cow and dead bug will prime your abs for the hard work to come.

After those 10 intense minutes of core action, treat your midsection to a quick cooldown with a few of the best stretches for your abs.

This 20-Minute Ab Workout Uses Only a Piece of Paper The 41 Hardest Ab Exercises to Challenge Your Core Strength A 20-Minute Resistance Band Workout for a Tighter Core