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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.

After open heart surgery!!!

April 21, 2026

Seven months ago, I had open-heart surgery to replace my aortic valve. My sternum was literally cut open and bound together with wire. After eight weeks, my movement and lifting restrictions were lifted, and I was off heavy pain meds, unable to start driving and back to life with five kids. I completed cardiac rehab rehabilitation, but I had not lifted more than 5 pounds the entire time. I was a long way to go to recovery and regain my strength. A friend recommended this program and I started on it and was able to do a few days in a row and then rest for a few days but I was able to do it. I started out at 5 pounds and then increased to eight and then 10 and then 12 pounds. I’m about to finish the program tomorrow and I’m so much stronger and more capable. I also am able to do walks and runs and longer cardio exercises and yoga. This is absolutely changed my life for the better. Thank you!

Nicole

Athlete Workout Program Guide for Strength, Mobility & Muscle Growth

April 20, 2026

Great program! I really like how this athlete-style workout combines strength training with mobility, balance, and conditioning—it makes the routine more functional rather than just focused on aesthetics. The use of trisets, HIIT intervals, and progressive overload is a smart way to improve both muscle and athletic performance over time. Training 25–30 minutes a day with a structured plan like this is practical and sustainable for long-term results

Fitclub

Love this format!!

April 16, 2026

Absolutely love this 4 day workout split!! It’s challenging but doable and I feel so strong after completing it!! Please do more videos like these, especially with the rep drops!

Holly M

Great workout series

April 13, 2026

I’ve been doing a different plan for the last year on repeat, had some good results. Injured my knee and recovered and tried to get back into that program, but it felt boring. Found this one, and the muscle gains have been incredible. Symmetry in my legs is almost if not fully equal now, my arms are more defined than they’ve ever been, and I always feel great after I finish the workout. They are fun and encouraging to work out with as well. Definitely recommend!

Caitlin

Day 10 and 24 are the same

April 6, 2026

I love adding these workouts first thing each morning before the rest of my workout session. I have noticed my waist slimming and core tightening. My one and only complaint/observation is that day 10 and 24 are the same. I don’t know if that’s intentional or not, but I wanted to let you know 🙂

Kathleen

Response from Nourish, Move, Love

So glad you’re enjoying our ab challenge! Yes the repetition of day 10 and 24 is intentional — we want to be able to measure your core strength gains and progress. So repeating day 10 approximately 2 weeks later is a great way to measure progress!

This Program is SO worth it!

April 3, 2026

I found NML when I was pregnant with my second baby and wanted to continue a fitness regimen but one tailored to prenatal needs. I am SO happy I did. Started NML’s postpartum plan at 8 weeks postpartum. It took me 3 months to complete the plan 2x as recommended. This was because my baby wasn’t the best sleeper and some days I just needed to rest/nap. Do your best and forget the rest, as Lindsey would say. Still I see progress and I feel SO much stronger and better than I did during postpartum with my first baby. Progressed from only 10 lb weights to 15 lb for most exercises and even 20-30 lbs for certain ones! I am really happy with progress and can’t wait to move to Strong 20!

Reesha Ramoutar

Robey

March 18, 2026

Great advice and precise with a sunny atmosphere. Lindsey and Rachel are a great pair!

Louise

I have abs again!

March 13, 2026

After about 10 years of really not exercising or working out, this 30-day ab challenge (along with your cardio workouts!) was just what I needed! I’m actually repeating it so I can challenge myself to not make modifications! Love all that NML offers, thank you!

Kristina

AMAZING start for me!

March 12, 2026

I completed the 30 day beginner program and am working on doing it again. I haven’t lifted weights since I was in high school, 17 years ago-yikes, this was a great start and because I loved it so much I’m doing it again as I continue to get stronger!

Shantel

Holy Strong Bananas

March 10, 2026

This program was very challenging. I lifted the most and felt the strongest throughout Overload 30, and then repeating it. Of all the amazing NML programs I saw the biggest physical difference in my body at 56!

Jackie Mueller

challenging pregnancy workout

March 9, 2026

Finally I found (in my 2nd pregnancy) challenging workouts using weights as I was always a little hesistant to use weights during pregnancy. Felt great all the way through pregnancy. Thank you Lindsay. Looking forward to postpartum.

Lara

Just what I needed!

March 6, 2026

Not quite 50 yet, but I am already post-menopausal and this is exactly what I need. I love that I can switch up using the pdf/setting my own pace with your videos. Variety keeps me motivated and doing my own pace allows me to go heavier. Thank you!! You’re the best!

Kristin

This is a part review – and question

March 6, 2026

I have just started and am completing my first week. Feeling much lighter and more energetic than when I started.

Q – at 59y M, and as a beginner with little weight training, which of your programs is best suited? Graduating to difficult ones later in the year.

Asheesh Sharma

A realistic 50 plus workout I’ve been looking for!

March 2, 2026

I love your workout plans for over 50. I’m 65 and at this stage I just can’t do the fast pace, intense workouts anymore. I want to still strength train and feel challenged but a bit slower and structured. I can’t do the up and down and twisting and jumping anymore unfortunately. I do like to keep up with the most current exercises. Please add more!

Ann Nagle

This is just what I need…

March 2, 2026

I have just started this 50+ workout plan. I am 56 yrs old and I am wanting a structured plan of strength training, cardio, rest suitable for my age group. This plan ticks all the boxes. I am wanting to build more muscle mass to reduce my risk of a strong family risk of type 2 diabetes and prevent it altogether. To get stronger and live longer better.

tan

Just what I wanted

February 28, 2026

I’ve been following your channel for over 2 years and I’ve had beautiful results when I was consistent..but in between life would happen and then for sometime i wouldn’t do any coz. Of change in schedule..now I’ve turned 50 and i was just hoping there would be something i could just click on and follow along. This plan is perfect.. thankyou Lincy

Nisha Therasa

Just What I Need

February 27, 2026

As I was doing one of the workouts yesterday I had a thought that I need a program for me in my stage of life because although I CAN do all of the workouts, my body is not the same and I am never sure if I am harming myself by pushing on the wrong type of workout. So I am SO FLIPPING THRILLED to have opened my email this morning to find the exact thing I needed. If I am reading this correctly, it will be the same workouts repeated every week, the goal is to progress weights every 4 weeks. Do I have that correct?

Chelsea Wilbur

Thank you so much for this program!!

February 25, 2026

Hi Lindsey,

I write this comment to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this program available for free!! I discovered your YouTube channel and website for my first pregnancy. It helped me stay strong and prepared during pregnancy. It is only now, at 2 years postpartum, that I have been able to complete the postpartum program. I feel my core/pelvic floor is stronger, and my overall strength is increasing because I am restarting the program for a 2nd month and am able to scale up to 15 lbs for some exercises. Thank you. God’s blessings for you and your family!

Regina

winter arc challenge

February 18, 2026

I am so proud of myself I just finished this challenge winter arc and i have to say first of all me being 60 years old just finshed a challenge i never would have thought id make it through but thanks to Lindsey and Rachelle for all the inspiration and tips to get and have the confidence and the will to follow through and thats just what ive done. It was challenging and at times had to take little extra break but i fought through and im planning on going back and doing it again! Thank you so much again

suzy

not boring

February 18, 2026

With most workouts on video you get bored or move ahead of the person or just give up. I love that there is minimal on the stretch and the cool down. And how you put all the moves together. I am a teacher on a budget and you share this at no cost makes it more of an incentive to do it. The moves were simple yet you could feel it . I’m 57 and need to get up and your workout makes me want to do the second one now.

kippling spencer

Muscle building over 60!

February 17, 2026

Lindsey has done it again, thank you! Following the “Build” program has helped me up my weights and see more muscle and with that stability. (As a senior both are important to me!) Consistency and following the programs incremental steps have encouraged me to try to increase my weights. Helpful tips, as always, are included so that your form is correct. I hope to keep up with Nourish Move Love for the next decade, God willing!

Lucy

My favorite program yet

February 16, 2026

If you’re looking for true results, this is the program for you (although I would say that for all of NML’s programs!). The moves are simple, allowing you to focus on form and challenging yourself by picking up the heavy weights. I loved the consistency of three sets to build true muscle. I have done this program several times already and will continue to do so! Love, love, love. I’ve never felt stronger!

Kate Eftax

Holy Bananas

February 12, 2026

Ow ow ow ow ow. Pushed through this and have done it twice through. This is an incredible program that humbles me while lifting me up. Thank you!

Megan

Who knew I could do 100 reps of 9 different exercises?!?

February 12, 2026

What a program! There were days I knew i had 100 reps and other days I was sure I would fail. Because i have been dedicated to working out with Lindsey for months I did not fail once. Thank you Lindsey and NML team!

Megan Knudson

The best workout channel

February 11, 2026

NML is undoubtedly the best channel for guidance, motivation and encouragement.

The workouts are always challenging but Lindsay thoroughly explains the exercises and Rachel provides visual modifications. And there are so many workouts and work out plans to choose from!!! It can’t get better than this.

Ria Alfred

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