Of course, bodyweight workouts are effective and challenging. But if you want to take your core workout to the next level, add a set of dumbbells.

This routine is short (just 11 minutes to be exact) but delivers big benefits. Fire up your entire core, including your abdominals and lower back, with these six key moves. You’ll do each one with and without weight to build strength. This also gives you the opportunity to customize and modify the routine to suit your own needs—start with no weights and add pounds as you get stronger.

To recap, you will need a set of dumbbells in the 3-8 pound range. An exercise mat is optional. Perform each move for 5 reps with weight and 5 reps without:

  • Toe Touch
  • Russian Twist
  • Seated Leg Pump
    -Repeat-

  • Superman
  • Superman With Row
  • Flutter Kick
    -Repeat-

    Negatives (emphasis on the down phase of the move):
  • Toe Touch
  • Superman

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