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30 Day Ab Challenge

Strengthen and sculpt the upper abs, lower abs, obliques, glutes and six-pack muscles with this free, 30-day ab challenge. This cohesive program includes a variety of bodyweight and weighted ab workouts designed to build stability in the core in around ten minutes a day. Each of the daily core workouts includes beginner and advanced modifications.

Build a stronger core at home in around ten minutes a day with this 30 day ab challenge.

This ab challenge is designed specifically for busy women like you – whether you’re a mom juggling it all, managing a career, or simply want to prioritize your fitness. Time is precious, so this plan is not only effective but also doable within your busy schedule.

Forget the pressure of achieving a “six-pack” (though a stronger core is a great side effect!). This challenge focuses on functional fitness, meaning the exercises you’ll do will translate directly into everyday life. You can make everything from carrying groceries to chasing after the kids to crushing your next full body strength workout easier.

The best 30-day workout challenge for abs isn’t just about crunches. This plan includes both bodyweight and dumbbell core exercises that activate your deep core muscles, like planks, dead bugs, mountain climbers and leg raises.

This plan is progressive, so we’ll gradually increase the intensity and complexity of the ab workouts as your core gets stronger. We’ll start with foundational, bodyweight movements that focus on proper form and engaging the right muscles.

Then, we’ll progress to more challenging, weighted abs exercises that target different areas of your core – the obliques, the rectus abdominis, and the transverse abdominis (your deepest core muscle). Complete as many reps as you can within the timed interval, always prioritizing form over speed.

After 30 days of dedicated core training, you’ll notice a difference. Don’t be surprised if you feel muscles you never knew you had! Rest is just as important as the workouts themselves, so be sure to focus on form and recovery.

Woman performing toe tap as example of upper ab exercises

GET STARTED

Download Your FREE Ab Challenge

Download the PDF calendar so you can easily access your daily ab workouts.
Download Plan

Who This Workout Plan Is Designed For

  • Fitness beginners looking to build foundational core strength for better posture and stability.
  • Intermediate and advanced fitness enthusiasts who are working to improve the muscular endurance of their core.
  • Busy moms who want to tone and sculpt their abs in just ten minutes a day.
  • Anyone who wants to develop a stronger mind-muscle connection and improve their ability to engage the core muscles.
  • Those who have taken a break from a fitness routine and are looking for quick and effective workouts to gradually rebuild their fitness level.
  • Anyone looking to strengthen their core to better support their spine, reducing the likelihood of back pain and other injuries.
  • Those whose fitness goals include seeking noticeable changes in the tone and definition of their abdominal muscles.
  • Please note that this ab challenge is not designed for pregnancy or those immediately postpartum. Instead, try these Pregnancy Safe Ab Exercises, or this Postpartum Diastasis Recti Workout Plan.
30 day ab challenge calendar

Already completed this challenge? Leave a review!

Day 1: 5-Minute Standing Pilates Abs

Day 2: 10-Minute Total Abs on Mat

Day 3: 7-Minute Lower Abs

Day 4: 7-Minute Upper Abs

Day 5: 7-Minute Standing Ab Circuit

Day 6: 8-Minute Abs and Glutes

Day 7: 5-Minute Resistance Band Ab Workout

Day 8: 10-Minute Daily Abs

Day 9: 7-Minute Quick Abs

Day 10: 10-Minute Lower Abs

Day 11: 10-Minute Obliques

Day 12: 10-Minute Standing Abs

Day 13: 10-Minute Mat Abs

Day 14: 5-Minute Dead Bug Abs

Day 15: 15-Minute Pilates Abs

Day 16: 5-Minute Mat Abs

Day 17: 7-Minute Lower Abs

Day 18: 7-Minute Upper Abs

Day 19: 15-Minute Kettlebell Abs

Day 20: 5-Minute Intense Abs

Day 21: 5-Minute Standing Pilates Abs

Day 22: 10-Minute Deep Core Workout

Day 23: 10-Minute Weighted Abs

Day 24: 10-Minute Lower Abs

Day 25: 10-Minute Obliques

Day 26: 5-Minute Kettlebell Ab Workout

Day 27: 5-Minute Best Ab Workout

Day 28: 10-Minute Daily Abs

Day 29: 10-Minute Barre Abs

Day 30: 7-Minute Ab Challenge

woman performing a standing crunch in an ab circuit workout

Find This Workout Plan On Youtube

youtube icon YouTube Playlist

30 Day Ab Strengthening Plan Details

1. Gym Equipment Needed:

These ab workouts can be done with just your bodyweight. Some workouts include optional equipment:

Dumbbells (Discount Code: NML). Each workout will have a recommended dumbbell weight, usually between 5-15 pounds.

Kettlebell (Discount Code: NML). Option to substitute one heavy dumbbell instead.

Mini Loop Resistance Band (Discount Code: NML)

2. Time Requirement: 

Varies from 5-15 minutes a day, 7 days per week.

For the best results, I recommend adding this ab challenge onto another strength training workout plan.

3. Fitness Level:

Appropriate for all fitness levels. The daily workout videos do offer exercise variations, modifications and options to increase the intensity as well.

4. Cost:

Free! No sign up needed, this is a free workout plan.

What Will Happen If I Do An Ab Workout Every Day?

You’ll certainly notice a stronger core if you do an ab workout every day. That said, your abs need time to rest and rebuild after a workout, just like any other muscle group. Pay attention to how your body feels, and incorporate rest days as you need to. I recommend using a variety of exercises targeting different abdominal muscles (upper, lower, obliques) to avoid overworking specific areas. You can also incorporate full body and abs, as well as arms and abs workouts into your routine. 

What Diet And Workout Plan Works Best For A 30-Day Ab Challenge?

For the best results, pair a 30-day ab challenge with a split training workout plan and a high-protein meal plan. Focus on lean protein sources, as protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, which can help define your abdominal muscles.

Is It Possible To Get Abs And/Or A Flat Stomach In 30 Days?

In order to see a flat belly or defined abs, you need to reduce overall body fat and belly fat. This takes time and requires targeted exercises that strengthen the core, as well as eating in a calorie deficit. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein, and incorporate regular cardio HIIT workouts to burn calories and promote overall fat loss.

How To Download and Use This Core Strength Workout Plan

  1. Download the 30-Day Ab Challenge PDF by clicking here, or bookmark this webpage for reference as daily workouts are outlined above. 
  2. Save this workout calendar to your mobile device home screen for easy access.
    1. Open this workout calendar pdf in the safari browser on your phone.
    2. Tap the bottom arrow in the center of your screen.
    3. Select ‘Add to Home Screen’.
  3. Hover over and then click on the bold text each day to access the full-length, real time workout video on nourishmovelove.com. Or scroll down to find the daily workouts on YouTube.
  4. You can also access all of the home workout videos on this workout challenge calendar on YouTube via this YouTube Playlist: 30-Day Ab Challenge.
  5. Share your daily workouts with me by tagging @nourishmovelove on social and ‘Pin’ the daily workouts on Pinterest so you can do them again.

Pin This 30-Day Fitness Challenge

sample week of 30 day ab challenge

Leave A Review

Your review helps us keep creating free workouts.

Did you love this workout challenge or notice your strength improving? We would truly appreciate a review! Every single one helps us keep creating free fitness content that supports you in your health journey.

Love your workout plans!

September 14, 2026

I’ve been consistently doing your workout challenges since late last year and I’ve seen surprising changes in both my muscles, my strength, and the weights I’m using. It’s the first time I’ve truly stuck with a workout plan because I am enjoying the weight and cardio combo so much. 2 Questions: (1) is there a fitness tracker on this one? I’m going through all programs and printing all of them. (2) I wanted to maybe make a subreddit for NML (I have no clue how much work making a subreddit is but was just toying with the idea), but I don’t want to step on toes, since I know you have your whole app community etc.

ZC

You’re making this senior mom/grandma the most fit she’s ever been!

September 7, 2026

I just turned 75 last week. I’ve been following your workouts for almost a year, and have increased my weights from 8# to 20# with an occasional 30-pounder thrown in there. For my birthday, I did a challenge course high up in the trees on the Oregon Coast. The stepping and swinging parts were fun but the REAL challenge was: could I hang on to a rope and move from barrel to barrel, lily pad to lily pad? Short answer: I did! Big whoops and hallelujahs! I’m working on the pushup progression, aiming to get to a full-body from my toes by April; also dead hangs 40 sec/20 sec/10 sec/5 sec same days that I do the pushup progression. Hands hurt a lot so I don’t know if I’ll be able to increase my hang time, but I’m squeezing a compression ball daily in hopes of improving my grip! You are a valuable part of my life and I talk you up to anyone who I find is interested in getting more fit. Blessings to you big time!

Susan Cumming

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

Amazing progress, thank you so much for sharing and I hope you are so proud of all your hard work and dedication! -Lindsey

Looking for a Beginner Workout Program Specific to My Goals

September 7, 2026

I’m a beginner and have completed one week of this program. My main goal is to build strength and muscle without losing weight. Should I continue with this program, start with Stronger 20, or choose another beginner program? I’d also like to know how I should progress after the first few weeks. I can train 3–5 days per week and have dumbbells.

Cherry

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

Welcome! I would suggest sticking with this full 30-Day Beginner Program and then you can find a sequenced order of how to complete our workout programs here: https://www.nourishmovelove.com/start-here/. So after you complete the full 30-Day beginner plan you’ll move to Strong 20! Keep up the great work! Lindsey

A program I could trust so all I had to do was show up!

September 6, 2026

As a former fitness instructor, I am very picky about following other exercise programs and instructors. This postpartum (and the prenatal) workout plans absolutely carried me through pregnancy and getting back into a routine after my 3rd baby. I loved having a program I could trust, and it allowed me to just show up and do it when time allowed. Can’t wait to take on another challenge.

Kirsten

20 min well spent!

August 28, 2026

I have done strength training on different platforms, but this really gave me the most bang for my time. I felt challenged and that some part of my body was actually working during each 20 min session. This makes me excited (and a little nervous) to attempt the other programs. I am 44 f/t working mom of 2, I do feel stronger

Bri

Good

August 23, 2026

Excellent

alyaa

Great program!

August 22, 2026

Program is fabulous. I did the first two weeks in 3 weeks, the first week with 4lb weights because that is what I had and I didn’t really know where to start. Anyway got 10lb weights for week 2 which was better, but then on day 10 had shooting pain in my right shoulder. Now I don’t know if this is because a certain muscle isnt strong enough yet or if I was doing the exercise wrong. That would be my one critique is that there wasn’t enough instruction on correct form for beginners like me. Maybe a video on all the exercises needed for the sequence with correct form for novices like me. 🙂 thanks for the program excited to keep progressing.

Effie Heppner

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

Hi Effie, Thank you for sweating with us! We’re so glad you’re here. Have you tried our Beginner Workout Plan [https://www.nourishmovelove.com/fitness-beginner-workout-plan/]? It’s a great place to start so you ensure proper form to avoid injuries. Please reach out to info@nourishmovelove.com with any other questions.

Loved it !

August 22, 2026

I loved doing this program! Started it at 12 weeks postpartum and some days were soo challenging. I’m so proud of myself, I did it with baby watching me, during nap times, on vacation… especially enjoyed the unilateral workouts and the pyramid strength one (so fun). I will be starting your beginner program on monday. Thank you !

Lison

Addidictive!

August 14, 2026

I love all your programs, but this is one I keep coming back to. I love seeing my progress. My strength gains are incredible and it is so important to me as I age to stay strong. Thank you for putting out such great content and focusing on what matters, strength gains, not appearance!!!

Erin

TOUGH BUT REWARDING!

August 4, 2026

I would like to say I enjoyed this workout but really, I felt more accomplishment and satisfaction than pleasure. I kept coming back to try and better myself because I just couldn’t let my last workout define me as a quitter! #4 was a killer for me, and my upper arms are still hurling injures at me. Your plans keep me coming back for more! Thanks very much.

Sylvanne Migneault

Best 30 mins spent

July 27, 2026

I am a stay at home mom of three kiddos and every minute is accounted for, but Linds makes it so easy to not forget about my health. I am able to workout in the comfort of my own home. Whether with my children included or not. Her videos are encouraging, uplifting and challenging. Her free workouts is a prayer answered for sure!

Jackie

Busy Homeschooling Homesteading Mom Needs This

July 26, 2026

I had never done a workout routine consistently in my life. Then in what could be argued a very busy season in life, I decided for the sake of being able to physically do all the things I’m needed to do on the farm with my six kids, I had to recover from prior pregnancy weakness and injuries. I’m thankful for the free, practical, motivating, challenging videos that helped me regain my posture, stamina, strength, and feel like me again. After I completed the series I had to stop because of time issues that popped up but I genuinely look forward to getting back to reclaiming this important investment in me that also benefits my family.

Linda

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

Hi Linda! Thank you for sweating with us. We’re so glad NML workouts have supported you, especially during a busy season of life. Keep up the great work!

Feeling strong and grateful.

July 24, 2026

Thank you so much for putting together a doable and achievable post partum plan. I am on Day 19 and I feel so much stronger. Since having my baby I haven’t been able to stick with a routine until this. I would work out once or twice a week if that. Now I’m moving 3-5 days a week. Here I am 7 months postpartum and feeling strong thank G-d! Thank you so much.

Yosefa

Started this after throwing my back out

July 10, 2026

I so appreciated this workout I just finished day four. I hurt my back after being sick in bed for 4 days and this workout is helping me get back on track with working out and my whole body just feels looser. And even emotionally I feel happier. I am not yet able to use 15 lb weights. But I will do it again and try to load up more next time. I appreciate having a program where I don’t have to think about what to do next. Thank you so much Lindsay and the NML team.

Racheal Little

Challenging yet fun workouts

July 8, 2026

Love these workouts. I’m not a fan of weight training, counting reps and sets as I find this tedious. Love that these are 30-50 seconds of work which if I chose the correct weight brought me to failure. These workouts are never boring and the 20 minutes goes by so fast. I’m definitely seeing results after doing the entire Strong20 4 times. I’m moving on to Stronger25. Thank you so much Lindsay! Ps I also love that you have devotionals, I just found them and will definitely be using those too. God Bless you and keep you Lindsay.

Kathleen

Loved this program!

July 6, 2026

I loved the 20 minute workouts. They fit well into my schedule during the school year having less free time. I felt challenged and like I was able to build muscle with the repeated, challenging exercises. I also liked the mobility in a longer warmup. And, as always, the education during the workouts is appreciated and valuable. Thanks for another great program!

Chrissy

Best program ever!

July 6, 2026

I’m now heading into my third trimester and have been following the 1st and 2nd workouts from this pregnancy program, and I absolutely love them. What I appreciate most is the variety. There’s a workout to match whatever mood I’m in that day, with different lengths and different styles to choose from. It makes it so much easier to stay consistent throughout pregnancy. I cannot thank you enough for this!

Cindy

Easy to follow, fun, and challenging!

July 2, 2026

I had been feeling burnt out with recent workouts and needed a change. I recently completed the Strong 20 program and it was so fun, yet challenging. I loved that I could fit it into my busy schedule as a full-time working mom of 3. I am going to start the Stronger 25 next. Love your positivity and the pace of the workouts!

Rachel

3 babies, 3 postpartum workout plans with Lindsey

June 25, 2026

I cannot describe how grateful I am to have found these postpartum workouts. I not only feel like I have found a trainer, but a much-needed tribe member on the other side of the screen.

I really appreciate Lindsey’s dedication and how she brings her real self to each workout, since being a mom of three small kids can feel so lonely. She is great company and makes it much easier. Thank you!

Ayelen

Love this program

June 24, 2026

I have been really enjoying Max 20! Unfortunately joining the app to access the additional week of workouts isn’t in my budget at the moment, but I love the 10 days that are available for free. I am on my 4th week(day 7) of doing this program and I can see myself repeating the 10 day program throughout the summer. My strength has improved since beginning this program on 6/1 and I would even say this is my favorite NML program I’ve tried so far.

MS

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

Thank you for sweating with us! We’re so glad you’re enjoying Max 20. Keep up the great work!!

Gets the Job Done!

June 24, 2026

I am 64 and still working so it has been hard to get to the gym. I love these short,effective workouts and modifications. My adult daughter is following along and we send each other sweaty selfies to encourage each other haha. Thank you so much for providing this resource for free Lindsey.

Cindy

Love this program!

June 23, 2026

This is the first program I’ve been excited to complete in a long time! I was feeling burnt out by weight training and needed something different for little bit that’s also effective. This is perfect! I notice my range of motion improving and it also provides a good refresher on proper form without the added weights. I love Lindsey’s enthusiasm and that my young daughter hears her encouragement and joins me and cheers me on. I’m excited to dive into her other programs as well!

Liz

Best thing ever that I found this program! I loved it 😍

June 21, 2026

I want to sincerely thank you, Lindsey Bromgren, from the bottom of my heart for all the content you create.

I’m here to express how grateful I am for your work. Before I found you, I was already training, but I felt like I was missing something more structured and motivating for this phase of my life.

I had been training intensely before pregnancy, but during pregnancy I reduced the intensity. Now, in the postpartum period, I’m getting back into it with full commitment.

I found you about 1 month and 2 weeks ago, and I’m about to complete 3 weeks in your postpartum program. I’m already repeating the program for the second time, so technically I’m in my third week — and I’m also combining it with your diastasis program.

It has been an incredible experience.

During this time, I’ve already lost 22 lbs out of the 35 lbs I gained during pregnancy, just 4 months postpartum, and I’m almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight.

More importantly, training with your program has been extremely motivating and consistent for me. I feel stronger, more confident, and very supported throughout this journey.

Thank you so much — I truly needed to express my gratitude for this.

Thays

Getting back into shape!

June 18, 2026

I am getting back into shape! I am premenopausal, overweight, and lazy. And you inspired me to move. I just started the 30-day beginner workout in conjunction with a good diet and walking workout. I am feeling great and can’t wait for more!

Holly

The BEST workout to start with postpartum!

June 4, 2026

I was unsure where to start in my workout journey at 6 weeks postpartum with my second baby. I did not prioritize exercise after having my first baby just 2.5 years ago so I knew I needed a specific program for postpartum. It has helped me so much! I feel so much stronger and confident. I plan on continuing a new NML program next!

Mary Claire

Note: Before beginning any new exercise program you should consult with your physician or midwife. The information provided with this workout challenge is intended for general information and use; it does not include specific, individualized recommendations and is not intended as medical advice. Before you begin any new exercise program Nourish Move Love, LLC recommends that you consult with your physician. Nourish Move Love, LLC primarily educates clients to assume more personal responsibility for their health by adopting a healthy and active lifestyle.

This post may include affiliate links and I earn a small commission on products purchased using these links. All words and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Nourish Move Love.

2 comments
  1. Hi team! I love all the workouts!! Can you please tell me the best workouts to target the lower stomach? Thank you for your help 🙂
    Emily

    • Hi Emily! So glad you’re loving the workouts! We have a couple “lower abs” workouts on our site – search for that term and they’ll pop up. Those are great options! -Lindsey