Got five minutes spare? Then you\u2019ve got time to strengthen your core with this yoga teacher-approved abs workout.<\/p>\n
It comes from certified yoga teacher Leanne Lent<\/a> from fitness app Yoga-Go<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat I like most about this workout is that it\u2019s short, effective and easy to stick to, which makes it a great option for busy days or for people just getting started,\u201d Lent tells Fit&Well.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also really versatile. You can add it to the start or end of a workout, or just do it on its own.<\/p>\n \u201cFor beginners, it\u2019s a great way to build the habit [of regular exercise] without feeling overwhelmed. For more experienced movers, it\u2019s a simple way to stay consistent with core work.\u201d<\/p>\n That said, some elements of the workout are rather challenging, even for well-versed gym-goers, so Lent has explained how to scale some of the moves back.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re a beginner, one round is more than enough, especially if you\u2019re focusing on good form and breathing through each rep,\u201d she says. \u201cBuild up slowly so you\u2019re not overdoing it or carrying unnecessary tension into other movements.\u201d<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got more experience and want a bit more of a challenge, Lent says \u201cyou can repeat it two or three times as long as your technique stays solid.<\/p>\n \u201cThe goal isn\u2019t to blast through it. It\u2019s about quality over quantity.\u201d<\/p>\n The five-minute core workoutThe five moves Flutter kicks x 30secSide plank march x 10 each sideU abs x 10Side plank hip abduction x 10 each sideLying leg raises x 20How to do the five-minute abs finisher, plus modifications <\/p>\n \u201cYou can do it as a quick standalone session or fit it around other strength or cardio days,\u201d says Lent, adding that core muscles recover fairly quickly but they still need rest.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n To make the flutter kicks, U abs and leg raises easier while still enjoying their benefits, Lent suggests bending your knees to shorten the range of motion.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can also keep your head down and just lift your legs slightly to take pressure off your neck and core,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n For the side plank variations, Lent recommends starting on your knees instead of your feet.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the [side plank] marching or leg lifts [involved in the hip abduction exercise] feel like too much, just hold the side plank with control,\u201d she says. \u201cThat alone is plenty for beginners.\u201d<\/p>\n Regardless of the version you opt for, Lent says you want to feel \u201cgentle core activation\u2014not strain.<\/p>\n \u201cYou should be able to breathe steadily, keep your neck and shoulders relaxed, and move without pain. If that\u2019s not the case, scale it back again until it feels more manageable.\u201d<\/p>\n About our expertAbout our expertLeanne Lent<\/p>\n Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n <\/a><\/a>Yoga and mobility coach<\/p>\n Leanne Lent is a certified yoga and mobility coach with fitness app Yoga-Go<\/a> and a holistic wellness mentor with over 350 hours of yoga teacher training, including a background in functional mobility. Her approach is calming, supportive, and practical \u2014 combining yoga, breathwork, and meditation with sustainable wellness practices that fit into real-life routines.<\/p>\n