Get Six-Pack Abs in Weeks

By: Jenny Everett, workout by Amy Dixon 


You've been obsessing over your abs for almost two decades. That ends now. Because we laid out a foolproof plan to kick those elusive buggers out of hiding. Finally.

Why's our plan so damn effective? Because it hits your entire core—not just your ab muscles but the muscles that support the spine—from all angles with a variety of moves that challenge your stability, balance, and rotational strength. As for results: Do the moves two to three nonconsecutive days a week and you'll notice a flat-out hot difference in just 30 days.

And here's even better news: Right here, every month, you'll find a brand-new workout instruction focused on a different goal—so you can transform your entire body by the end of the year. All of these workouts are designed by WH fitness columnist Amy Dixon, an exercise physiologist and a group fitness manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, California. Apply her genius and marvel at the results.


Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Stability Ball Pelvic Tilt Crunch


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Grab a 5- to 10-pound medicine ball. Lie faceup on a stability ball with back and head pressed into the ball, your feet together on the floor, and the medicine ball positioned against your chest.
  2. Brace your abs and crunch up until your shoulders are off the ball. Then reach the ball toward the ceiling. That's 1 rep.



This move works:
Abs, Chest, Glutes, Hips
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Walk the Plank and Rotate


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Get in plank position with your hands on a 12- to 18-inch step. With your weight on your left arm, rotate your body while raising your right arm toward the ceiling.
  2. Return to plank position and step your right arm down to the right of the bench, then your left arm down to the left of the bench. Step back up, leading with your left arm. That's 1 rep.
This move works:
Chest, Core, Hips, Lower Back, Shoulders, Upper Back
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Arm Pull Over Straight-Leg Crunch


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Grab a pair of 10- to 12-pound dumbbells and lie on your back with your arms behind you. Extend your legs at a 45-degree angle. Bring your arms up over your chest and lift your shoulders off the mat while raising your legs until they're perpendicular to the floor.
  2. Return to start (don't let your legs touch the floor). That's 1 rep.
This move works:
Abs, Hips, Upper Back
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

The Matrix


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Grab a 5- to 10-pound medicine ball and kneel on the floor with your knees hip-width apart. Lengthen your spine and press the ball against your abs.
  2. Slowly lean back as far as possible, keeping your knees planted. Hold the reclined position for 3 seconds, then use your core to slowly come up to the starting position. That's 1 rep.



This move works:
Abs, Glutes, Quadriceps, Upper Back
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Nose-to-Knee Crunch


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Get in plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart on a stability ball.
  2. Draw your right knee toward your chest. Hold for 1 second, then return to plank position. That's 1 rep.




This move works:
Chest, Core, Glutes, Hips, Shoulders
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Prone Oblique Roll


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Get in plank position with your shins about hip-width apart on a stability ball and your hands shoulder-width apart on the floor.
  2. Keeping your feet on the ball, draw your right knee toward your right shoulder (the left just comes along for the ride). Return to center.



This move works:
Chest, Glutes, Lower Back, Obliques, Shoulders, Upper Back
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

Back Extension Rear Leg Raise


Step 1

Step 2
  1. Rest your hips and stomach on a stability ball. Straighten your legs and position your toes hip-width apart on the floor. Extend your arms in line with your shoulders.
  2. Lift your right leg about 6 inches off of the floor while reaching your arms as far out as possible. That's 1 rep.






This move works:
Glutes, Lower Back
Photo Credit: Beth Bischoff

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