Get Outside and Get Ripped With This 7-Minute Ab Circuit

Men’s Health/Eric Rosati

We spend way too much time indoors. Especially when you have the chance to travel somewhere scenic, make a point to take your exercise outside.

That’s how trainer Charlee Atkins, C.S.C.S., keeps up with her workouts while she’s on the road. We’ve seen her adjusting a core circuit to fit the outdoor hallways of an Airbnb while on vacation—now, check out how she uses some of the most stunning scenery in the U.S., Shiprock in New Mexico, as a backdrop for a versatile 7-minute abs workout.

The routine should be extra useful for busy travelers that don’t know how to keep their vacation fitness balanced. “Staying active while traveling is essential, and we often let ourselves go on the road because we don’t quite know what to do exactly with the body,” says Atkins. “If you’re like me, you spend a lot of time traveling walking around and exercising the legs, but you’ll need some exercises you can do anywhere that will target the abs and the arms, too.”

Just make sure to keep your shoulders in a good shape. If you have a history of issues with the joints, Atkins recommends taking it slow. “This workout should alternate between being prone on the mat to laying flat (supine) to keep the arms challenged, but to also allow them to rest when needed,” she says.

To perform the vacation core circuit, all you need is some space to spread out. Ideally, you’d use a yoga mat or towel as a base for the supine (on your back) movements, but a clear patch of grass in a park or a smooth spot on the beach sand could work perfectly, too. If you need a handy mat, check out this self-rolling option from our brand, Backslash Fit.

Complete each exercise for 30 seconds with no rest

Take on the circuit twice without any rest, which you clock in at about 7 minutes of nonstop work. Want an extra challenge? Rest for 1 minute, then run through another round for a 15 minute session.

Want to learn more moves from Atkins? Check out our series full of her workout tips, Try Her Move.

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