On days when my schedule is packed, I usually rely on quick core workouts to squeeze in some movement. Targeting the abs makes it possible to finish a solid session in a short window, which feels like a smart use of limited training time.
I’ve completed plenty of intense 10-minute core routines before, but none matched the difficulty of this abs workout created by fitness duo TIFF x DAN. From start to finish, my abs were on fire, and by the end, it was clear I’d pushed through a genuinely effective core workout.
No equipment is required for this session, although using a yoga mat can make things more comfortable if you’re exercising on a hard surface.
What to Expect From the 10-Minute Workout
The workout includes 17 exercises, each performed for 30 seconds with just five seconds of rest in between. That brief pause is mainly spent setting up for the next move, making the entire routine feel like non-stop core work for the full 10 minutes.
I tested the workout during a lunch break and was surprised by how demanding it felt. It delivered a serious burn across my upper abs, lower abs, and obliques, and I’ll definitely be returning to it in the future.
Below are my main takeaways from the session.
The Toughest 10-Minute Core Workout I’ve Tried
I’ve done many short abs workouts over the years, and plenty have been brutally effective. However, this one stood out as the most challenging of them all.
Even though each interval lasts only 30 seconds, the rapid pace and minimal rest meant my abs started burning just a few exercises in. That intensity never eased, making the full 10 minutes feel consistently demanding.
For beginners, this probably isn’t the best place to start. A more beginner-friendly 10-minute abs routine would be a better introduction.
Five-Second Breaks Feel Almost Nonexistent
While it’s no surprise that five seconds isn’t much recovery time, it felt especially brief during this workout. I barely managed a deep breath before moving straight into the next exercise.
These short rests play a big role in how effective the workout is, as they keep your core muscles under tension for most of the session. Be ready to work almost continuously from start to finish.
Both Abs and Obliques Get Serious Attention
The routine packs a wide range of movements into just 10 minutes, with exercises that hit the upper abs, lower abs, and obliques.
This variety helps make the intensity more manageable, as the focus shifts between muscle groups. For example, challenging leg raises that target the lower abs are followed by seated bicycle crunches, which emphasize the upper abs and obliques.
No Verbal Coaching During the Workout
Dan performs the workout alongside you, making it easy to follow his form. However, there are no spoken instructions, only written prompts on screen showing what exercise comes next.
Because the rest periods are so short, it helps to review the exercise list in the video description beforehand. Positioning your screen so it’s clearly visible during the workout is also important.
Breaking Down the Toughest Exercises Helped
There were several movements I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold for a full 30 seconds, especially later in the workout when my abs were already burning.
To manage this, I split the 30 seconds into three 10-second segments, working as long as I could in each one and using the final moments to briefly rest. This approach was essential for getting through moves like the hollow body hold.
Taking longer breaks is also an option if needed. Even with extra rest, the workout remains highly effective.
