Five-Minute Abs Workout

We’ve got three variations of three moves: one each for beginners, intermediate exercisers and the more advanced.

Follow the rep scheme for your fitness level. Rest 30 seconds between exercises, and if you have more time available, repeat all moves once or twice from the top.

Beginners: Do eight to 10 reps of each move.

Intermediate: Do 10 to 12 reps of each move (with the exception of the birddog; see description for details).

Advanced: Do 12 to 15 reps of each move.

Birddog: Beginner

Start on all fours. Lift your left arm straight in front of your body while raising your right leg straight behind you. Return to the beginning, then switch sides to complete one rep.

Birddog: Intermediate

Start on all fours. Lift your left arm straight in front of you while raising your right leg behind you. Hold for eight seconds before completing with your opposite arm and leg lifted. Repeat three times.

Birddog: Advanced

Begin on all fours and lift your left arm in front while extending your right leg behind you. Move your arm and leg over to the side as far as you can go. Return to the start and repeat with your opposite arm and leg to complete one rep.

Crunch: Beginner

Lie on your back with your hands placed gently behind your head, knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Contract your abdominals to lift your head and upper back, then slowly lower back to the starting position.

Crunch: Intermediate

Lie on your back with your legs bent and calves raised parallel to the floor. Lift your hips from the floor and direct your knees towards your chest. Slowly lower back to the starting position.

Crunch: Advanced

Lie on your back with your knees bent to 90 degrees and calves raised parallel to the floor. Contract your abs to lift your upper back from the floor; at the same time, raise your hips from the floor to direct your knees towards your chest. Slowly lower and repeat.

Obliques Crunch: Beginner

Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and legs bent as shown. Lift your upper back from the floor and bring your left elbow towards your left knee. Lower and repeat on the right to complete one rep.

Obliques Crunch: Intermediate

Lie on your back with your legs bent, calves parallel to the floor and fingertips placed lightly behind your head. Lift your upper back and direct your left elbow towards your right knee. Lower and repeat on the other side to complete one rep.

Obliques Crunch: Advanced

Lie on your back with your knees bent, calves raised parallel to the floor and hands placed lightly behind your head. Contract your abs to lift your upper back from the floor; at the same time, reach your left hand to the outside of your right knee. Lower, then repeat on the opposite side to complete one rep.

Originaly posted in http://www.oxygenmag.com/article/five-minute-abs-for-any-level-8839