Here's how to define your abs with just a 10-minute workout

This short routine helps build six-pack muscle and a stronger core for functional, visually impressive results

Woman doing a dumbbell abs workout
(Image credit: Getty Images)

There's more to our abs than six-pack muscle. For many people, the goal of their training is to achieve visually impressive results, but there are several other benefits to more defined abs and a stronger core.

Your core promotes blood flow, improves posture, and reduces the risk of injury. While you may already have the best workouts for abs as part of your routine, but if you're short on time, you might opt for a full-body session instead.

Fortunately, you can quickly fit in dedicated core training with this 10-minute dumbbell abs workout from YouTubers TIFF x DAN. It's a short but intense routine, and you only need a set of the best adjustable dumbbells to get started.

The full-length video guides you through each move, so whether you're new to abs workouts or want to perfect your form, you can follow along to get the most from the training.

Watch TIFF x DAN's 10-minute dumbbell abs workout

Although there are some ab training staples like crunches and sit-ups, this core workout is more varied than most. Adding weights makes it more challenging, increases the muscle-building potential, and bolsters the benefits of a stronger core.

According to Gemma Russell, a trainer at Ponzu Fit, "core muscles train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen to work together. This leads to optimal balance and stability. This equals better performance!"

It's designed as a standalone session, but there's no reason you couldn't add this 10-minute routine to the end of your regular workout, too, for extra abs training.

If you want to try out the routine for yourself or incorporate a few exercises into your current training program, we've listed all the moves you need below.

TIFF x DAN's dumbbell abs workout moves

  • High crunch
  • L-sit toe touch
  • Sit-ups
  • L-sit leg lowers
  • Plank dumbbell drags
  • Plank dumbbell taps
  • Russian twists
  • Side plank hold (right)
  • Side plank dips (right)
  • Side plank hold (left)
  • Side plank dips (left)
  • Overhead extended crunch
  • Extend to tuck
  • Lean back pulses
  • Hollow hold

When you have a spare moment to work on your core, pick up one of the best abs rollers. These relatively straightforward, wheel-based fitness tools are a great way to build more muscular abs.

After rolling out one of the best yoga mats, kneel down and use the roller to extend into a plank position. You'll train your abs, but also your arms and shoulders too.

James Frew
Fitness Editor

James is a London-based journalist and Fitness Editor at Fit&Well. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.


In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. In recent times, James has been absorbed by the intersection between mental health, fitness, sustainability, and environmentalism. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each week’s New Music Friday releases.