Develop abs and core strength in only seven moves with this dumbbell routine

If you want to build muscle around your abs, you might imagine that you need to do hours of crunches and sit-ups. Thankfully, you can boost your workout's muscle-building results and develop core strength at the same time with this seven-move dumbbell routine.

You don't need much equipment to get started, just a single dumbbell. If you're at the gym, pick a weight that'll challenge you but isn't so heavy it affects your form. But if you're training at home, it's worth investing in a set of the best adjustable dumbbells.

These customizable weights are a space-saving way to build muscle, combining several dumbbells in one. Plus, they're a flexible option, especially for beginners, allowing you to gradually increase the load as you get stronger.

Once you have a weight to hand, you can tackle fitness YouTubers Tiff x Dan'sseven-move dumbbell ab routine. There's no set time limit; you'll be working to a repetition count instead, aiming for between 12 and 15 reps per exercise.

Whether you're new to training your abs and core or could use a refresher, check out Dan's demonstrations before starting to perfect your form and get your technique just right to get the most from your training and avoid injury.

Watch Tiff x Dan's weighted ab workout

The duo recommends doing three rounds of this seven-move routine for a complete ab-building workout, but you could do a single round if you want to add a core-focused routine to the end of your regular training.

Most people use the terms abs and core interchangeably, although there are differences. Your rectus abdominis six-pack abs muscle forms part of your core, a section of mid-body muscle that connects your upper and lower body. 

Because of its central role in your body, using core strengthening exercises helps improve your workout performance, aids stability, promotes blood flow, and reduces your risk of lower back pain or other injuries.

That's why Tiff x Dan's routine includes weighted variations of workout staples like crunches, twists, and holds, which help you build core strength and ab muscle in a time-efficient way by increasing the resistance of each of these classic bodyweight moves.

If you have one of the best kettlebells nearby and want to add some variety to your training, it's worth learning how to do kettlebell swings. This multi-muscle move boosts your metabolism, works your whole body, and strengthens your core.