This crunch-free workout can build a stronger core in just 8 minutes - all you need is one set of dumbbells

Train smarter for a stronger core with this time-savvy home workout - all you need is a set of dumbbells

Woman working out with a set of dumbbells
(Image credit: Getty)

Take the time to build a stronger core and you can enjoy a plethora of health benefits, from improved balance and stability to increased endurance and a lower risk of injury. What's more, while you'll reap the rewards tenfold for your efforts, training your abs doesn't have to be a lengthy endeavour. 

Online fitness star and owner of the workout app Evolve You, Krissy Cela, has crafted a core workout that will build strength in just eight minutes, making it a great option when you're tight on time. You won't need a fully-stocked home gym to try it either - all you require is a single set of dumbbells to make each exercise slightly more challenging. 

The best adjustable dumbbells are a brilliantly versatile tool for adding some resistance to your home workouts, but standard fixed-weight dumbbells will also do the job just fine for the purposes of this session. 

If you don't already own your own dumbbells, we recommend having a flick through our pick of the best Prime Day weights deals, with significant discounts applied to top products across Amazon. For example, right now you can grab a whole set of Brave Heart dumbbells for less than $160.

Hurry though, the exclusive sale event ends today (July 13th), so snap up a bargain while you still can. 

Amazon Prime Day Dumbbell deals

BRAVE HEART Dumbbells Set with Rack Stand | Was $258.99,now $151.99 at Amazon

BRAVE HEART Dumbbells Set with Rack Stand | Was $258.99,now $151.99 at Amazon 
This set of colorful weights contains five sets of dumbbells ranging from 2lbs-12lbs (0.9kg-5kg). The vinyl coating will stop the weights from slipping out of your hands during a sweaty workout, and you're getting the whole set with a rack for 41% less!

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell | Was $549, Now: $429 at Amazon

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbell | Was $549, Now: $429 at Amazon
These futuristic free weights are one of the top scoring products in our test of the best adjustable dumbbells for good reason. Their space-conscious design delivers 15 different weight settings (from 5lb to 52.5lb) in one compact package, and now they're 22% cheaper thanks to a Prime Day discount. 

If traditional core workouts tend to bore you, Cela's shorter alternative is an oven-ready solution. You'll be performing each exercise for no more than 40 seconds, followed by 20 seconds of rest before you move on to the next exercise. So, there's no time for your mind to wander. 

Plus, if you find one of the movements slightly too challenging, you can scale it back by lowering the weight you're using. This is where the BRAVE HEART dumbbell set (on offer right now) really comes into its own, with five sets of differently weighted dumbbells allowing you to personalize your workout. 

Below is a list of all the exercises you will need to complete the workout in full. It will take less than 10-minutes to finish two rounds so, unfortunately, time is no excuse.

  • Plank Drags: 30 second each side
  • 20 seconds rest
  • Bear Crawl Drags: 40 seconds each
  • 20 seconds rest
  • Front Hold In & Outs: 40 seconds
  • 20 seconds rest
  • V Ups
  • 20 seconds rest

We recommend keeping your body well-nourished after a hard training session. Protein, in particular, is essential for helping your muscles recover and strengthen, and our roundup of the best Prime Day supplement deals has some hefty discounts for you to take advantage of. 

All the best Prime Day fitness deals in one place
Prime Day 2022

All the best Prime Day fitness deals in one place

We're keeping a keen eye on all the best Prime Day fitness deals as they happen, with major discounts on cardio machines, fitness equipment, running shoes, Fitbit, Apple Watch and other fitness trackers, and much more. Don't miss out!


Jessica Downey

Jessica is an experienced fitness writer with a passion for running. Her career in journalism began in local news and she holds a Masters in journalism. Jessica has previously written for Runners World, penning news and features on fitness, sportswear and nutrition. 

When she isn't writing up news and features for Fit&Well covering topics ranging from muscle building, to yoga, to female health and so on, she will be outdoors somewhere, testing out the latest fitness equipment and accessories to help others find top products for their own fitness journeys. Her testing pairs up nicely with her love for running. She recently branched out to running 10Ks and is trying to improve her time before moving on to larger races. Jessica also enjoys building on her strength in the gym and is a believer in health and wellness beginning in the kitchen. She shares all of this on her running Instagram account @jessrunshere which she uses for accountability and for connecting with like-minded fitness lovers.