I'm Shocked That This 5-Minute Ab Workout Made Me Feel Stronger After Just 2 Weeks
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While looking through YouTube I found this five-minute ab workout from, NASM-certified personal trainer, Jibby of Studio Jibby. I was drawn to the fact that it didn't require much of a commitment — just five minutes a day.
For maximum results, she said to combine this with a healthy diet and moving your body daily for two weeks. Challenge accepted! Here's what happened by the end of the 14 days.
The Five-Minute Ab Workout
This five-minute ab workout consists of the 10 bodyweight exercises listed below. Performing each exercise for 30 seconds with no rest between moves:
- Plank to dolphin
- Alternating side plank
- Plank roll
- High plank to mountain climber
- Leg raise clap
- Penguin
- Starfish crunch
- Side plank (right side)
- Side plank (left side)
- Leg raise circle
What I Liked About This Five-Minute Workout
This nonstop bodyweight workout is just five-minutes long, so I knew wherever I was, at any time of day, I could do this quick workout. I liked that she counted down the 30-second intervals for me, so I could just follow along like playing Simon Says.
Jibby explained in detail how to do each exercise effectively, and her positive tone was very motivating. I also liked that she told us what move was coming next towards the end of the previous move. There was a variety of ab moves like elbow planks, side planks, leg lifts, and crunches, so I felt all parts of my core working.
Having no rest between exercise was so effective because it really helped gradually build that burning-ab sensation. I was surprised that by the time I got to the fifth move (the leg raise clap), I thought I was going to need a break because my lower abs were quivering so much.
What Happened in the First Week of Doing This Five-Minute Ab Workout?
Even though these moves are pretty basic, they are so effective. Even though I'm used to working my core, the first few times I did this workout I had to stop towards the end because my abs were really feeling it (I'm looking at you leg raise clap and starfish crunch!).
By the end of the week, I was already getting stronger, and was able to complete the entire five minutes without stopping. I felt accomplished after completing it each day. Afterward, I often felt inspired to do a little more movement, like grab some dumbbells or go for a walk.
What Happened in the Second Week of Doing This Five-Minute Ab Workout?
By the second week, I memorized the workout. It felt great to do after my morning rowing workout, as a break during the day, or to do it while watching Netflix at night. I even got my husband to do it with me!
I loved how strong and confident I felt by the end of the two weeks. It made me realize that I don't need to spend a ton of time working out — even five minutes of work can make a difference in strengthening my muscles and lifting my mood.