Strengthen your abs in just six minutes with this no-equipment core workout

Having defined abs is a popular fitness goal. Commonly referred to as the six pack, these muscles form an important part of your core. And it's well worth working on this area for various fitness reasons, not just aesthetics. 

These core strengthening exercises, designed by fitness coach Elise from Elisebodyshop, only take six minute to complete. The moves will target your abs along with other crucial core muscles and you don't need any equipment to do them. 

You’ll do each exercise for 45 seconds with a 15-second rest in between. This makes it ideal when you’re tight on time or want a core-focused finisher.

Watch Elisebodyshop's six-minute core workout

One of the more challenging exercises in this workout is the plank reach. This exercise primarily targets the rectus abdominis (your main, central abs) but it will also fire up your obliques (side abs) and deep core stabilizers. 

By assuming a plank position and reaching out with alternating arms, you engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making this an efficient compound exercise for improving various core areas.

If you’re targeting your midsection in an attempt to create visible abs, you’ll also need to reduce the amount of fat around your stomach. You can't spot-target fat in this area, but you can reduce overall body fat. 

To do this, you'll need to maintain a calorie deficit, reducing the amount of calories you consume and increasing the amount you expend through exercise and everyday movement. You could try doing some high-energy sessions, like a HIIT workout for fat loss, to burn additional calories. 

As you’ll be working your muscles hard, it’s important to give your body enough protein to repair and strengthen them. The best protein powders for weight loss are ideal for this, as they contain minimal fat and sugar but can still give you a protein boost.