20-Minute Mommy and Me Ab Workout

In 2020, gym closures and quarantine life have inspired fitness buffs to be extra creative in order to stay in shape. If you’re short on time and a babysitter, try this fun workout with a very short partner!

For the full video demonstrations in this Mommy and Me workout, use the YouTube video below  

For this mommy and me workout you will need:

A ball

A mat

One weight

20-minute Mommy and Me Workout

Torso Twist

Stand up, holding your partner in your arms to one side. Twist your midsection, bringing your partner with you from left to right. Keep your lower body planted on the floor, and use only your abdominal muscles to twist. This exercise works best if your partner is 25 pounds or less. If your partner is larger, you can use a weight and pass it back and forth to him as you twist.

Basic: 2 sets of 15 reps

Advanced: 3 sets of 15 reps

Russian Twists

Sit with your knees bent and hold your partner in your arms. Lean back at a 45-degree angle and use your abdominal muscles to stabilize your body. Twist from left to right with your partner in your arms. This exercise works best if your partner is 25 pounds or less. If your partner is larger, you can hold a ball or weight and pass it back and forth to her as you twist. 

Basic: Keep your feet on the floor. 2 sets of 15 reps. 1 full rep=left and right movement. 

Advanced: Lift your legs in either tabletop or at a 45-degree angle for a full V-sit. 3 sets of 15 reps.

Partner Sit-Ups

Lie on your back with your helper standing facing you. Extend your arms over your head, holding the ball. Use your abdominal muscles to sit up, and pass the ball to your partner. Reverse the movement, controlling your muscles as you lie back down. Repeat the movement and retrieve the ball.

Basic: Keep your feet on the floor and bend your knees. 2 sets of 8 reps. 

Advanced: Lift your legs into tabletop and pass the ball to your partner over your knees. 3 sets of 10 reps. 

Windshield Wipers

Lie on your back with your helper standing facing you, behind your legs. Lift your legs to approximately a 45-degree angle. Hold the ball between your legs, squeezing it as you hold your legs up. Use your abdominal muscles to sway your legs left to right. Encourage your partner to chase the ball, and watch him giggle as you evade him! 

Basic: Keep your head on the floor and place your hands under your butt. (This option is also better if you have any neck injuries.) You can also bend your knees. 2 sets of 8 reps. 

Advanced: Lift your head and neck and place your hands on the floor on either side of you. 3 sets of 8 reps. 

Plank High-Fives

Hold a plank on all fours while your partner stands in front of your head and arms. Alternate lifting your right and left hands to high-five your partner. Try to keep your body stable and not twist as you lift your hands. 

Basic: 2 planks for 30 seconds each. 

Advanced: 2 planks for 45-60 seconds each.