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No matter what your favorite exercise is, core strength is crucial for almost every movement you engage in. Studies indicate that core muscles like the rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, erector spinae, and internal stabilizers play a vital role in enhancing balance, supporting proper posture, and reducing the risk of injuries.
For this reason, we consulted Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition expert at BarBend, who provided a 30-day core challenge. This plan seamlessly incorporates static poses, dynamic movements, and functional core workouts. The program is designed to be inclusive, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts.
The regimen progressively intensifies each week, allowing you to build abdominal strength while incrementally increasing endurance and control. Moreover, all that’s needed is a mat, a light pair of dumbbells, and your body weight, making it easy to perform the exercises at home without the need for a gym visit.
30-Day Core Challenge for Your Strongest Abs Ever
Week 1: Build Your Foundation
The first week focuses on core engagement and stability. These moves teach you to brace your abs, maintain good form, and activate the right muscles, which you’ll build on in later weeks.
Day 1: Hollow Body Holds
- Lie on your back with your arms extended overhead and legs straight.
- Lift your shoulders and legs off the ground, keeping your lower back pressed into the floor.
- Hold for 20 seconds.
- Rest 20 to 30 seconds, then repeat for 3 sets.
Day 2: Dead Bugs
- Lie on your back, arms extended toward the ceiling, knees bent at 90 degrees.
- Lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor slowly, keeping your core tight.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.
- Do 3 sets of 10 reps per side.
Day 3: Side Planks
- Lie on your side, forearm on the floor, elbow under shoulder.
- Lift your hips so your body forms a straight line from head to feet.
- Hold for 20 seconds per side.
- Repeat for 3 sets.
Day 4: Active Recovery
Walk, stretch, or do gentle yoga for 20 to 30 minutes.
Day 5: Bird-Dogs
Start on hands and knees, wrists under shoulders, knees under hips.
- Extend your right arm forward and left leg back, keeping your hips level.
- Pause, then return to start.
- Do 3 sets of 10 reps per side.
Day 6: Glute Bridge Holds
- Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
- Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from knees to shoulders.
- Hold for 30 seconds.
- Repeat for 3 sets.
Day 7: Rest
Week 2: Add Movement
This week builds on your foundation by increasing movement and adding some light resistance. You’ll also revisit some Week 1 moves with a twist to keep your abdominal muscles on their toes.
Day 1: Plank with Shoulder Taps
- Start in a high plank, hands under shoulders.
- Tap your right shoulder with your left hand, then your left shoulder with your right hand.
- Keep your hips steady.
- Do 3 sets of 20 total taps.
Day 2: Bicycle Crunches
- Lie on your back, hands behind your head, legs lifted.
- Bring your right elbow toward your left knee while extending your right leg.
- Switch sides in a pedaling motion.
- Do 3 sets of 20 total reps.
Day 3: Hollow Body Holds – Repeat Day 1 Week 1.
Day 4: Active Recovery
Day 5: Dead Bugs with Weights
- Follow the same instructions as Week 1, Day 2, but hold a light dumbbell in each hand.
- Do 3 sets of 8 reps per side.
Day 6: Side Planks with Reach-Under
- From side plank position, reach your top arm under your torso, then return to start.
- Do 3 sets of 6 reps per side.
Day 7: Rest
Week 3: Challenge Your Stability
Week 3 introduces more complex patterns and tempo changes to push your stability and coordination.
Day 1: V-Ups
- Lie on your back, arms extended overhead.
- Simultaneously lift arms and legs to form a “V” shape.
- Lower with control.
- Do 3 sets of 10 reps.
Day 2: Plank with Toe Taps
- From a high plank, tap your right foot out to the side, then return. Switch sides.
- Do 3 sets of 20 total taps.
Day 3: Bird-Dogs (Slow Tempo)
- Perform as in Week 1, but take 3 to 4 seconds to extend and return.
- Do 3 sets of 12 reps per side.
Day 4: Active Recovery
Day 5: Side Plank with Leg Lift
- From side plank, lift your top leg a few inches, then lower.
- Do 3 sets of 6 reps per side.
Day 6: Glute Bridge March
- From bridge position, lift one knee toward your chest, lower, then switch.
- Do 3 sets of 12 reps per leg.
Day 7: Rest
Week 4: Max Out Your Core Strength
The final week combines endurance, strength, and stability to leave your core stronger than ever. Don’t let up!
Day 1: Plank with Knee-to-Elbow
- From high plank, bring your right knee toward your right elbow, then return. Alternate sides.
- Do 3 sets of 12 reps per side.
Day 2: Weighted Russian Twists
- Sit with knees bent, lean back slightly, holding a weight.
- Twist your torso to each side.
- Do 3 sets of 20 total reps.
Day 3: Hollow Body Hold (Longer Time)
- Hold the position for 30 seconds.
- Do 3 sets.
Day 4: Active Recovery
Day 5: Glute Bridge Pulses
- In bridge position, pulse your hips upward an inch or two.
- Do 3 sets of 15 reps.
Day 6: Plank Test
- Hold a forearm or high plank as long as you can with good form.
Day 7: Rest
Looking for more easy ways to lose fat? Here’s How Long Your Walking Workout Should Be To Shrink Belly Fat.
Adam Meyer, RHN
