This 10-minute abs workout blasts fat and builds muscle

Short on time? Use this quick and intense routine to strengthen your core and get fitter

Man doing an abs workout
(Image credit: Getty Images)

With lockdown restrictions easing, many of us have struggled to fit in our pandemic workout programs. Thankfully, this short abs routine is a time-efficient way to blast belly fat and build core strength.

Even if you're already doing many of the best workouts for abs, adding this workout to your schedule will help you build mid-body muscle. Six-pack abs are visually impressive, but there are other benefits as well.

Developing a strong core helps prevent injury, promote circulation, and improve stability. It doesn't take long to start seeing results either, as one study found measures of core stability improve within four weeks.

The routine comes from personal trainer Morgan Rose Moroney and includes 10 moves over 10 minutes. To make the most of the time, you'll do each move for 45 seconds with 15 seconds of rest in between.

Watch Morgan Rose Moroney's 10-min abs workout

Although you can do the program without equipment, this particular workout adds weights into the Russian twists. To get the most from your training, It's worth getting a set of the best adjustable dumbbells

You can quickly change these customizable weights for a specific exercise or gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Most even come with handy trays for space-saving storage. 

Adjustable dumbbells on sale

SKONYON Adjustable Dumbbell | was $129, now $75.98 at Walmart

SKONYON Adjustable Dumbbell | was $129, now $75.98 at Walmart

Using the handy pull-pin, you can quickly switch weights from 5lbs up to 25lbs. The adjustable dumbbell has a slip-free handle with cross-textures for improved grip and a storage tray. You can save 40% right now!

MX Select MX-55 Adjustable Dumbbell Set | was $687.99, now $599.99 at Target

MX Select MX-55 Adjustable Dumbbell Set | was $687.99, now $599.99 at Target

This dumbbell set deal is a great way to build your dream home gym. You can adjust the weight from 10lbs to 55lbs to suit all workouts. They even come with a space-saving storage rack. Save $88 before the deal ends.

Morgan Rose Moroney guides you through each move, so you can follow along and perfect your form. If you'd prefer to go it alone, we've listed the activities you need below.

10-min abs workout moves

  • Crunches
  • Reverse crunch
  • V snaps
  • Twisting V snaps (left)
  • Twisting V snaps (right)
  • Scissor kicks
  • Toe touches
  • Ankle taps
  • Russian twist with dumbbells
  • Butterfly sit ups

Rather than aiming for a specific amount of reps with each exercise, the idea is to do as much as you can in the time. This style of training is known as AMRAP; As Many Reps As Possible. 

You can find your own pace with AMRAP workouts, so they're ideal for beginners and those with more experience. It also means you can track progress as you'll be able to do more reps after training for a time. 

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.