7- Day Summer Abs Challenge

Discover the secrets to uncovering toned & defined abs in time for Summer!

One of the truest phrases in the fitness world is, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” We took that to heart when we created this 7-day Summer abs challenge! It’s not going to be easy, but it will definitely be worth it. 

For the next 7 days you will be asked to perform specifically designed workouts that will target your midsection from every angle. You see, your core is made up of multiple layers of muscle that all must be trained equally. It takes a lot more than crunches to create toned and defined abs, and we’ve got you covered! If you want strong and sexy abs, this challenge will help you achieve them!

7- Day Summer Abs Challenge

Want Even Greater Results?

Before we get started on the challenge, we want to share a few bonus tips for success. There are several additional ways to uncover those muscles and get gorgeous-looking abs that have nothing to do with exercise. A proper diet is just as important as a consistent workout routine:

1. Drink water throughout the day and always have some on hand when doing this challenge. Staying hydrated is crucial to success.

2. Eat smaller portions to help decrease overall caloric intake.

3. Eliminate refined sugar and grains. Instead, eat whole foods that don’t have added sugar.

4. Avoid sodas – diet included. Instead, try these healthy beverage options.

5. Consider eating more often, 5-6 times each day. Remember, meals should not be standard restaurant portions but rather mini meals. Eating on salad plates instead of dinner-sized plates is a good start.

6. Eat breakfast and you’re more likely to stick to smaller portions throughout the day. Try these incredibly simple breakfast options.

7. After this challenge has ended, be sure to continue doing ab workouts at least three times weekly.

7-Day Summer Abs Challenge

7- Day Summer Abs Challenge

Let’s get to the nitty gritty! Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure that you have a yoga mat, determination, and an agreement with yourself to see this challenge through for the entire 7 days. Some of the workouts in this ab challenge will require either a workout partner or an interval timer to track your time. Below you will find video demonstrations for each workout to ensure that you’re using proper form for each move.

Remember, you can split your workout if necessary. Just be sure to complete the entire workout by the end of the day! You’ve got this!

Day 1

Move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest. Complete 1 Circuit for 200 total reps.

  • Bicycle Crunch – 50 reps (25 each side)
  • Reverse Crunch – 50 reps
  • Mason Twist – 50 reps (25 each side)
  • Leg Lifts – 25 reps
  • Push Through – 25 reps

Day 2

8 Minute ABS, Level One

Be sure to watch the video first so that you know how to do each exercise before beginning.

  • Foot to Foot Crunch – 30 reps
  • Alternating Curls – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Push Through – 30 reps
  • 4 Time Abs – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Arm Reaching Crunch – 30 reps
  • Leg Up Touch Crunch – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Cross On Crunch – 30 reps
  • Double Crunch – 30 reps

Day 3

Perform two interval circuits. You will need less than 10 minutes for today’s workout. Here’s how it works:

Complete routine #1 and repeat one additional time. Rest 1 minute then begin routine #2 and repeat one time. 

Here’s the breakdown for the circuits:

20 seconds for each exercise + 10 seconds rest = 30 seconds

30 x 8  = 240 seconds / 60 seconds = 4 minutes

Routine #1

  • Mountain Climbers – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • Scissors – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • Knees In and Out – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • V-Ups – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 1 minute

Routine #2

  • Toe Touch – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • Bicycle Crunch – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • 4 Time Abs – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • Prone Plank – 20 seconds
  • Rest – 10 seconds

Day 4

Rest/Recovery Day

Day 5

Complete 3 circuits. Move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest. Rest for up to 60 seconds between rounds.

  • Flutter Kicks – 30 reps (15 each side)
  • Side V-ups – 20 reps (10 each side)
  • Push Through – 30 reps

Day 6

8 Minute ABS, Level One

Be sure to watch the video first so that you know how to do each exercise before beginning.

  • Foot to Foot Crunch – 30 reps
  • Alternating Curls – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Push Through – 30 reps
  • 4 Time Abs – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Arm Reaching Crunch – 30 reps
  • Leg Up Touch Crunch – 30 reps
  • Recovery – 30 seconds
  • Cross On Crunch – 30 reps
  • Double Crunch – 30 reps

Day 7

Complete 5 circuits. Move from one exercise to the next with little to no rest. Rest for up to 60 seconds between rounds.

  • Side Plank – 20 (10 each side)
  • Rest – 10 seconds
  • Side Burpees – 10 reps (5 each side)
  • Rest – 30 seconds
  • Prone Plank – Hold 1 minute
  • No rest
  • Mason Twist – 50 reps (25 each side)

Demonstration Videos:

Bicycle Crunch

Reverse Crunches

Mason Twist

Leg Lifts

Push Through

8 minute abs, level 1

Mountain Climbers

Scissors

Knee In & Out

V-Ups

Toe Touch

4 Time Abs

Prone Plank

Flutter Kicks

Side V-Ups

Side Plank

Burpees Off to the Side

What did you think of this Summer abs challenge? Did you make it through? Be sure to like our Facebook page, follow us on Pinterest, and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to try out new workouts and view our latest fitness resources.

This post may include affiliate links.

Gale Compton

I have a passion for creating recipes and developing fitness workouts. You'll often find me in the kitchen, experimenting with new flavors, or enjoying the outdoors with my family and our dog, Maggie. She loves homemade meals just like we do, and you’ll discover plenty of her favorite recipes right here on the site!

More by Gale

66 Comments

  1. I have Vegas in 4 wks with my bestie and a bunch of her cop friends. I was looking for something to get my tummy toned by the time I go. After reading this I am totally excited to try this. Wish m luck in get the results I want

    1. Princessemt, Best of luck in Vegas…my old stomping ground. After you do the challenge come back for more ab routines. Las Vegas has some really nice pools! Enjoy. 🙂

  2. I started this yesterday and felt a little soreness in the right places. But this morning, I woke up with an extremely sore neck and arms. I think I may be doing it wrong. 🙁

    1. Sasha, Secondary muscles will be effected with most any exercise, however your neck shouldn't be overly sore. I recommend discontinuing the challenge for now. The exercises below are from day one…all of these involve holding your head off the ground while performing the move; this requires some strength in the neck muscles. 🙁
      Bicycle Crunch –
      Reverse Crunch –
      Leg Lifts –
      Push Through –

  3. Just finished the 7 Day Challenge…ouch!  So glad to be able to do these workouts in the privacy of my own home, makes me realize how much work really needs to be done.  The only exercise I wasn’t able to do was the side burpee…after one rep my knee felt like it would explode so I traded it out for a different workout.  Thanks guys!

  4. Finished the 7 day challenge. 3.5 months post baby. I feel awesome! I was in a size 4 (barely) when I started and I'm down to a size 2 and even a size 0! ((: No joke. This is amazing!

    1. Zahra, I usually don’t recommend it. If you are already in good shape, then yes. If not, devote time for each challenge individually.

  5. I'm a size three but I have never worked out before in my life! Plus should I try this although I can count my ribs easily and my hip bones jet out really bad when I lay down? I still haven't lost all my baby fat but I don't suck in my tummy. I can't eat very much of anything like I used to. (I used to be a size 14 when I was just 19) now I'm a size 3 but my mom said if I lose anymore weight it would be unhealthy…is this true?

    1. This is an answer for your doctor. Without knowing all the circumstances I can’t give an informative responsive. 🙁

  6. I am planning on doing this challenge with other seven day challenges to get a full body challenge for a week. What are your thoughts on this?

  7. SO FAR MY CORE IS SOOOOOORE AS! BUT THAT IS A GOOD THING RIGHT? I'M UP TO DAY 3 NOW! :):) After I've completed the whole week, how do I maintain my core strength and abs?

  8. Hi, i am starting the challange today, i also want to slim down my legs and arms, do you have any recommentations?

  9. I am not the healthiest person in the world but i have been make some changes. I also have the feeling like i havnt done enough and i wake up the next morning sore(the good kind). can i skip the rest day and keep going?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *