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Morning No-Equipment Core: Beginner Tone Up

21 min
 · 
5 exercises

Tone up your core and build endurance with this beginner no-equipment morning booster! Focus on rep completion — nothing complicated, just straightforward core work to develop stability and strength. A perfect way to start the day!

Dead Bug exercise illustration
Dead Bug
2 sets
20 reps
45 sec rest
Make sure to move at a cool ad controlled pace, focus on that transition, and activate that core! 10 per side.
0:45 rest
Reverse Crunch exercise illustration
Reverse Crunch
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Bring those legs all the way up and over! Point them to the sky if you like!
0:45 rest
Double Side Jackknifes exercise illustration
Double Side Jackknifes
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Left side only!
0:45 rest
Double Side Jackknifes exercise illustration
Double Side Jackknifes
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Right side only!
0:45 rest
Flutter Kicks exercise illustration
Flutter Kicks
2 sets
30 reps
45 sec rest
Keep these controlled, there\'s no need to use explosive movements here. Just coordinated motion that burns :D

About this workout

Morning No-Equipment Core: Beginner Tone Up is a free 21 min workout plan with 5 illustrated exercises for your abs. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.

Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.

Workout details

  • Duration: 21 min
  • Exercises: 5
  • Training focus: Abs
  • Equipment: NO EQUIPMENT
  • Level: Beginner
  • Format: Interactive workout and printable PDF

For more ready-made training plans, try WorkoutLabs Fit. You can follow visual workouts, build your own routines, manage your training calendar and track your progress. Sign up today to claim your free week.

Questions about this workout

What equipment do I need for this workout?

No equipment is needed – every exercise in this workout uses your own bodyweight, so you can do it at home or anywhere.

How long does the Morning No-Equipment Core: Beginner Tone Up take?

The full workout takes about 21 minutes, covering 5 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.

Is this workout suitable for my fitness level?

Yes – this is a beginner-friendly workout. Every exercise includes an illustration and step-by-step instructions, so you can learn proper form as you go. Start with lighter weights and focus on technique.

What muscles does this workout target?

This routine primarily works your abs, obliques. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.

How often should I do this workout?

For get toned, increase endurance, aim to do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Progress by gradually adding weight or reps, and pair it with workouts for other muscle groups during the week.

Can I download or save this workout?

Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.

Morning No-Equipment Core: Beginner Tone Up
21 min
 · 
5 exercises
Tone up your core and build endurance with this beginner no-equipment morning booster! Focus on rep completion — nothing complicated, just straightforward core work to develop stability and strength. A perfect way to start the day!
Auto-advance Start exercises automatically
after a 5-second delay
Start workout Cancel workout
Dead Bug
Dead Bug exercise illustration
2 sets
20 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Make sure to move at a cool ad controlled pace, focus on that transition, and activate that core! 10 per side.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie on your back. Extend hands straight above towards the ceiling. Bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle. Shins should be parallel to the floor. Exhale and bring hips off the floor.
  2. Begin by extending one leg forward. The foot should be hovering just above the ground.
  3. Pause then return the leg to it’s starting position while extending the opposing leg. Keep alternating legs while maintaining a tight core.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
  1. Lie flat on an exercise mat on the floor keeping your lower back straight with no arching of your spine and with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Place your hands lightly on the sides of your head.
  3. Curl your torso upwards so your shoulders are slightly raised off the floor..
  4. Raise your knees until your thighs are at a right angle to the floor and your calves are parallel to the floor. This is the start position.
  5. Slowly move your legs in a pedaling action as if you are riding a bicycle.
  6. As you do so, exhale and bring your opposing elbow close to each knee by crunching to one side. Left elbow to right knee. Right elbow to left knee.
  7. After each crunch, return to the start position inhaling as you do so.
  8. Without pausing, repeat the movement to the other side.
  9. Repeat without pausing for the desired number of repetitions to each side.

Do not use your hands to pull your head and neck up during this exercise. Doing so may cause injury. Concentrate on a slow rhythmic cycle from side to side with perfect form for each repetition.

Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie flat on an exercise mat, extending your arms straight back behind your head.
  2. Fully extend your legs also. This is the start position.
  3. Bend at your waist and at the same time, raise your legs and arms to meet in a closed jackknife position. Exhale as you do this.
  4. At this point, your legs should remain fully extended at between 35-45 degrees from the floor.
  5. Your arms should be fully extended, parallel to your legs.
  6. Your upper body should be raised off the floor.
  7. Return to the start position by lowering your arms and legs back to the floor, exhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.
Rest
0:00
next up
Reverse Crunch
Next
Reverse Crunch
Reverse Crunch exercise illustration
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Bring those legs all the way up and over! Point them to the sky if you like!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
  1. Lie flat on an exercise mat on the floor.
  2. Extend your legs fully and place your hands palms down, flat on the floor beside you.
  3. Keeping your feet together, draw your knees up towards your chest, until your thighs are at 90 degrees to the floor and your calves are parallel to it. This is the start position.
  4. As you inhale, curl your hips up off the floor while bringing your knees further towards your chest.
  5. Continue the movement until your knees are touching your chest, or as far as comfortable.
  6. Hold for a count of one.
  7. In a controlled movement, return your legs to the start position, exhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  • Lie on your back on a flat bench.
  • Reach overhead and grab the top of the bench with both hands.
  • Brace your abdominal muscles.
  • Straighten your legs and lift them up. Stop when they are above parallel.
  • Contract your abdominals as you bend your knees and bring your legs up and towards the top of the bench.
  • Pause then slowly release your legs to the starting position, making sure to keep the contraction in your abdominals.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie on your back on a mat with hands under your lower buttocks on either side to support your pelvis.
  2. Legs straight out in front of you, ankles together and feet slightly off the floor.
  3. Keep your knees straight and raise your legs by flexing the hips until they are completely flexed.
  4. Return to starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie flat with hands under your buttocks.
  2. Keep your knees together and pull them in towards you while moving your torso towards them (lift your head, neck and shoulders up).
  3. Hold and then slowly return to starting position.
Rest
0:00
next up
Double Side Jackknifes
Next
Double Side Jackknifes
Double Side Jackknifes exercise illustration
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Left side only!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  • Bring yourself to the ground and lie on your left side. Be sure to stack your feet.
  • Place your left hand on your side while raising your right arm above your head so that the elbow is pointing towards the sky.
  • Focusing all of the tension and contraction in the obliques, bring your feet up while you raise your upper body. Lead with the right elbow.
  • Hold the contraction and slowly return to the starting position. Do not allow your feet or shoulder to touch the ground.
  • Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie on an exercise mat and place your feet your under something that will not move or ask a spotter hold them down for you. Keep your knees bent.
  2. Raise your upper body from the mat to form V-shape with your thighs.
  3. Keep your arms fully extended in front of your chest, clasping your hands together.This is the start position.
  4. In a smooth motion, twist your upper body to the right until you feel a stretch in your back and sides. Keep your arms parallel to the floor and exhale as you do this. Hold for a count of one and inhale.
  5. Return to the start position while breathing out.
  6. Repeat the movement,this time to the left side of your body.
  7. Repeat.

As your strength increases, you can hold a weight plate or medicine ball in front of you to increase resistance and engage other muscle groups.

Rest
0:00
next up
Double Side Jackknifes
Next
Double Side Jackknifes
Double Side Jackknifes exercise illustration
2 sets
15 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Right side only!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Obliques
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  • Bring yourself to the ground and lie on your left side. Be sure to stack your feet.
  • Place your left hand on your side while raising your right arm above your head so that the elbow is pointing towards the sky.
  • Focusing all of the tension and contraction in the obliques, bring your feet up while you raise your upper body. Lead with the right elbow.
  • Hold the contraction and slowly return to the starting position. Do not allow your feet or shoulder to touch the ground.
  • Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Lower Back
  1. Lie on an exercise mat and place your feet your under something that will not move or ask a spotter hold them down for you. Keep your knees bent.
  2. Raise your upper body from the mat to form V-shape with your thighs.
  3. Keep your arms fully extended in front of your chest, clasping your hands together.This is the start position.
  4. In a smooth motion, twist your upper body to the right until you feel a stretch in your back and sides. Keep your arms parallel to the floor and exhale as you do this. Hold for a count of one and inhale.
  5. Return to the start position while breathing out.
  6. Repeat the movement,this time to the left side of your body.
  7. Repeat.

As your strength increases, you can hold a weight plate or medicine ball in front of you to increase resistance and engage other muscle groups.

Rest
0:00
next up
Flutter Kicks
Next
Flutter Kicks
Flutter Kicks exercise illustration
2 sets
30 reps
45 sec rest
Set 1 of 2
Rest before next set
Get ready
321GO
Keep these controlled, there\'s no need to use explosive movements here. Just coordinated motion that burns :D
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
  1. Lie on a mat with your hands under your buttocks and raise your legs slightly, keeping knees straight and ankles together.
  2. Keep abs engaged and perform short kicks in an alternating fashion.
  3. Repeat as needed and then lower legs to the ground.
Workout done!
Exercises done
of 5
Total time
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