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.
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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)
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.
Appropriate for all fitness levels. The daily workout videos do offer exercise variations, modifications and options to increase the intensity as well.
Free! No sign up needed, this is a free workout plan.
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.
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.
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.

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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!
Lindsey is a great instructor. She has great energy and has great workout plans. I love how she keeps it real, she doesn’t pretend to be perfect and lets you know when she is feeling the burn and struggles right along with you. Her co-instructors are wonderful too. I love how they do the modified version of the exercise, which is the version I have to use about half the time.
Day 2 arm day! Wow! Seemed easy when I started and now my arms are burning. Grateful for a good 20 mins!
I have been doing NML workouts for over a year now and find the variety and time limit very doable for this extremely busy time in my life. As someone who has done every single program NML has, getting a new one in time for summer is a dream.
I love this program and the ease of turning on the tv and getting it done. I love that Lindsey is encouraging, knowledgeable, and has put together such a well thought out plan. I’ve been going for a few months and I’ve really seen improvements . Thank you NML!
I love these short effective workouts. I’m older(56) and longer workouts are very challenging for me. But Max 20 is exactly what I need and love. Going heavy and building strength. All part of my nursing home prevention program and I love you are a part of it too.
I started weight training again in January after taking a break due to life and I’m so glad I came back to what got me going again. I’ve loved these workouts for years and after doing this program I have never felt stronger. I’m on my 2nd go and I already feel the gains and can’t wait to try increasing weight ❤️.
Over 70 mom and grandmother, who is trying to set an example for the next generation. Love ths workout my goal is a real pull up in 6 months and better muscle definition. It takes longer for senior but it’s possible. Thanks Lindsey andz Rachel
I was looking for an injury friendly workout. As someone who enjoys HIIT training, I had to step away from this style due to a tear in my hip labrum. I wanted to work on muscle building while giving the high impact a rest. After completing this workout for 4 weeks, I noticed muscle strength by bringing them to fatigue (lower weight/higher reps) and surprisingly my VO2Max also increased. I can only attribute it to the 2 min hiit finishers. I love the adding this on the end, getting my hiit fix/my HR high but also preserving my injury. Do Not underestimate this style of workout. I was very impressed with this program!
I started Overload 30 back in November 2025 and went through it 1.5 times before the holidays; took me about 3 weeks. Travelled, took some time off, then started it again. Did Overload 30 3 times over 1.5 months and I feel AWESOME! Had to do some of the modified moves, but I finished!! Thanks Lindsey and Rachel, you gals are great!
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!
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
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!
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!
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 🙂
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!
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!
Great advice and precise with a sunny atmosphere. Lindsey and Rachel are a great pair!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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