When we exercise our muscles, generally, the following day, we’ll ache a little bit (or a lot!) This is a phenomenon called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS. It happens as a result of all the tiny little tears in the muscles that we’ve caused through exercising. These tears are important, because as they heal (and ache during the process), we’re layering on more lean muscle fibres, and building more lean muscle mass overall. 

Perhaps the area that aches the most though, is our core after an intense ab workout. Of all the muscle groups, we’re more wary of the pain in our abs, doing sit ups and crunches hurts at the time, but wow does it hurt the next day too! But as they say, no pain, no gain, and a toned core is high on many of our wish lists.

So to really feel the ab burn, and to reap the benefits of a more toned core, here we celebrate some ab-tastic core workouts!

1. High intensity, fun and controlled, we love our Core and Glute Activation workout, that’s part of our Power Box & Tone workout series. Floor work really activates the core, and keeping things so controlled really helps to work the core, helping to build muscle tone and strength.
2. Our popular Fat Burn in 10 Challenge starts off with our high intensity Time to HIIT Your Core This is a fast paced series of core exercises including mountain climbers, planks, crunches and toe taps. It’ll definitely keep you on your toes, and will give your core a real workout!
3. When it comes to working on our abs, we mustn’t neglect our cardio in favour of strength work. Cardio workouts help to burn fat and calories, which also helps to trim the midriff. After all, it’s little use toning the muscles of our core if we’re not also burning away fat. Our Get Down & Groove workout, part of our fun Dance Party sessions, is amazing at getting the heart pumping and focussing on all the major muscle groups, including the core.
4. If you’re looking for a new challenge, then check out our I.T Combat Challenge. Each 30 minute workout burns between 220 and 260 calories and combines cardio and combat moves to tighten and tone. Your core will definitely let you know that it’s been put through its paces the next day, and you’ll feel awesome!
5. On the days when you don’t feel like jumping around, you’ll love our Pilates classes. The Challenge Your Core Pilates workout is ideal, but don’t be fooled into thinking this will go easy on your core. With its high intensity, it’s a real challenge for your abdominal muscles, and is the perfect workout for building tone and strength in a controlled way.

Enjoy, keep it mixed up and don’t forget to regularly record your progress and measurements in our Results Tracker. It might hurt, but when you see those abs forming, it’ll all be worth it!