Let’s be honest here—we’ve all dreamed of having that dream body. The developed glutes, the veiny biceps and of course, I definitely can’t forget the glorious six-packs shaped by the chiseled abdominal muscles, which we’ve all seen sculpted on fitness models, athletes, Abby from Kpop Demon Hunters, and our Pinterest boards. And then this thought hits you— “What if I had abs?”

Not just for the aesthetics (the tank tops would look better, though!), but for the sheer feeling of strength. The confidence pulsing through me, and the proof of being disciplined, even when it was hard. So, as a part of my early winter arc—I’ve decided I want to build abs, and not necessarily the perfect six-packs. Just a strong, well-toned core; which makes me feel fit, healthy and amazing in my own skin.

So, with that, here’s a plan for me—and you too, if you want to join me in building those core muscles.

Why?

Before you start anything, define why do you really want those defined abs. Is it just to look beautiful/handsome and have your dream body—or is it to feel more confident, improve your posture, get out of your comfort zone and build your own quiet discipline? To see the incredible growth you can achieve if you just start?

Write it down in your journal, or even your phone’s notes app. Tape it on your bathroom mirror. Break the ultimate goal down into small, manageable chunks.

For me, it wasn’t just about looking ripped. It was to have the feeling of having control over something, and proving to myself that I could stay consistent and dedicated, even on the days I wake up irritated and snappy. Mainly, for me, it wasn’t about building confidence.

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Alright…But How?

Image Credit: Jonathan Borba from Unsplash

Like many reading this, I used to think that abs require a whole lot of dedication and effort, 100 full-body crunches everyday and living off kale smoothies and bland, boiled eggs. But no, this isn’t always the case. Your abdominal muscles aren’t just a “six-pack”. Your abs consist of transverse and rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, pelvic floor muscles, and even your lower back.

The Motivation To Work Out Everyday?

Let me be totally honest with you— I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to work on my abs with a whole five-point schedule! Nope. This whole thing started when I tried Cristiano Ronaldo’s ab viral workout, and it was brutal.

My core was crying out loud, I was sore for two days, and my ego was very bruised. But somewhere in the midst of thinking about it, I thought, “Yeah this hurts hard and has humbled me so much, but it also feels…POWERFUL!” That lit the spark of my ambition to get my desired body. I researched actual structured workout routines, and that’s when I came across Anna Engelschall. She makes the most inspiring, motivating and meaningful content; empowering women and dropping the most killer but effective workouts—ranging from HIIT to Zumba to Cardio.

With that being said, here’s my realistic, full-week workout plan laid out for you, inspired from all the workouts I’ve tried. You don’t need a full-blown gym for it—only a good space, an exercise or yoga mat, and if you want, two dumbbells. (If you’re a beginner start with the ol’ 2 kg, then gradually move on to 5 kg dumbbells)

Weekly-Abs Routine

Let’s go warriors! Remember to take breaks between rounds!

Day 1: Upper Abs Training

It’s Day 1! You’re not just doing crunches—you have the courage to show up for yourself, and you’re waking up the Rocky Balboa energy (Cue “There is no tomorrow!”) that’s been dormant in you since forever.

• 30 full-body crunches (if you’re a beginner, you can replace this with elevated crunches too, I’ve always found them easier)
• 20 Leg-raises
• 20 Toe Touches
• 30 sec Hollow Hold

Repeat this cycle 2x.

Day 2: Obliques-Cardio Burn

Day 2. Today is all about sculpting your waist, twisting your side body, and getting your heart pumping!

• 20 Russian Twists
• 15 Side-Plank Dips (I found this difficult when I was a beginner, but for an alternative, you can try the forearm plank hip dips)
• 10 Bicycle Crunches
• 20-30 Heel Taps

After this, you can take a break of 5-7 minutes, and add a 10 minute high-energy Zumba, or even attempt burpees!

Day 3: The Relax Day

You’ve reached Day 3. Remember, don’t feel guilty for resting, it’s a part of the process, so you don’t burnout, and come back more energised than ever the next day. Try some light yoga, a little bit of stretching, a walk outside, or locking your room and dancing like no one’s watching.

Day 4: The Lower Abs

These are the sneakiest killers. You won’t feel them much while trying to build them, but, there are chances of sitting down like an old grandma (been there, done that.) Make sure to breathe and take breaks.

• 20 Reverse Crunches (Feel free to change up the amount of times you can do!)
• 15 Flutter Kicks
• 10 V-Ups
• 1 min/30-sec plank

Repeat this process 2x.

Day 5: Full Core Explosion!

Image Credit: Karl Solano from Pexels

This is probably my favourite workout day—perfect mix of fun, unhinged and also being a calorie burner. Imagine this—you’re listening to Gangsta’s Paradise or Eye of The Tiger while you’re at it, abs burning, and you’re in the zone, you know?

• 30-Sec Mountain Climbers
• 15 Heel Taps
• 15 Sit-Ups
• 40 Bicycle Kicks
• 1 Min Plank (Yes, ONE minute! Set a timer, no excuses!!)

Repeat for 2 cycles.

Day 6: Weights + Core

Day 6. Today, we lift. You’re picking up weights and building the real core power—not just for how it looks, but for posture, self control and feeling solid in your own muscles. So with that, here’s a fiery gym plan for Day 6:

• 20 Weighted Sit-Ups (Hold the dumbbell at your chest. Sit up with control — don’t swing. Exhale at the top.)
• 15 Standing Oblique Crunches (easier alternative: Standing Dumbell Side Bends)
• 10 Seated Russian Twists
• 17 Deadbugs (no weights required)
• 30-sec Forearm Plank (neutral spine, elbows under shoulders, no sagging)

Attempt 2 rounds if you’re starting. Try 3 if you feel strong by the end of the week.

Day 7: Rest Now, You’ve Earned It.

Slow music and hydration. Rest and relaxation. Today’s all about focusing on recharging, letting your muscles heal to become stronger. Perhaps reflect about the whole week, journal, try soft yoga or meditation, and drink up a cup of matcha or iced latte.

Eating To Fuel Your Core

Let’s be real—if you really want to see significant results, be more energised, and maybe even see visible abs, what you eat matters just as much as how you train. Don’t fully restrict yourself from eating the stuff that makes you happy and count calories obsessively—just be mindful.

Tips From A Fellow Beginner

• Don’t try to do more than your body can handle. Remember, everyone has different limits.
• Don’t hold your breath during planks at all. Do not suffocate yourself.
• If ever your neck hurts while doing crunches, keep your head down and only lift your legs, instead of straining a muscle.
• And, finally, progress > perfection. Always. I’m not telling you to go all intense and quit all sugar for a year or survive on protein, but try to eat healthier. The 80/20 rule helps!

A Final Reminder From Me to You

Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

What if I don’t see the abs after so much work?

Yeah, abs look cool, but are they the only win here? Don’t give up just because you can’t see the results yet. You’re also boosting your metabolism, gaining energy, building resilience and self-discipline (aka the emotional abs), and creating an amazing habit that your future self will thank you for. You’re nourishing your body, staying active, and being kind to yourself along the way—you’re already doing more than enough.