If you thought you could kiss your summer body goodbye forever and head straight to the sleeve of BBQ Pringles in your pantry, maybe we should remind you Halloween is around the corner. Whether you’re being a slutty bunny for the eighth year in a row or getting regretfully creative with some cringeworthy political costume, you’re probably planning on showing a lot of skin, so you’ll need to look like you haven’t completely let yourself go since the Fourth of July. Here’s a quick workout that burns calories and targets your abs, so you can look amazing in your costume and spend the rest of the night drunk-eating mini Snickers bars. Complete the circuit three to four times total, and thank us when your slutty nurse costume fits better than ever.
1. Mountain Climbers
Starting the workout off with mountain climbers ensures that you’re getting your heart rate up while engaging your abs, so we’re already getting shit done. The idea behind mountain climbers is to stack your arms over your wrists and jog your knees into your chest, so you’re basically holding a plank while running in place. Don’t worry about moving your legs too fast because the main idea is to keep your core stabilized. Try not to lift your butt too high into the air or spread your arms too far in front of you, or else you’re defeating the purpose. Do 40 reps total.
2. Russian Twists
This exercise targets the top and sides of your abs, so if you’re doing it right, it should hurt when you laugh tomorrow. To really feel the burn on this one, you’ll probably need a weight or a kettlebell, but if you’re a beginner, you can just use your hands. Lie on the floor with your legs out in front of you, keeping them bent at the knees. Then, elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Move the weight from one side of the body to the other, using your abs to bring it over. Do 12 reps.
3. Side Plank With Dips
This move is literally how Khloé Kardashian lost her muffin top, so if you’re looking to invest in a tight crop top this Halloween, I’d pay attention. The side plank is all about your obliques, which are where your love handles are. To tone that area, it’s important to keep everything tight and engaged, so don’t rush through this one. Start in a side plank on your elbow, keeping your legs straight and your feet stacked. Then, lower your hip to the floor, lightly tapping the ground before you lift it back up. Do 10 hip dips and then switch to the other side to do the same thing.
4. Burpees
No one ever looked good in a French maid onesie costume without some cardio, so let’s stop kidding ourselves. Burpees are key when it comes to burning a ton of calories in a short amount of time, so only do 8-10 of these per round. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides, lower your body into a squat and place your hands on the floor in front of you, jumping your feet back so that you’re in a plank position. Once your body is in a straight line, lower your chest to the floor and then bring it back up as quickly as you can. Then, jump your feet forward, outside of your hands, and jump up with your arms in the air. So easy.
5. Lying Leg Raises
So many girls neglect their lower abs because they think they can do a million crunches and look great in a crop top. Your lower ab muscles are really the area that give your stomach a toned, slim shape, so doing leg raises is v important. Lying flat on your back with your legs straight out in front of you, keep your feet touching while you slowly lift your legs up to the ceiling until your butt is slightly off the floor. Then, lower them back down until they’re a few inches off the floor. Do 10 reps total, and remember to inhale while you lift up and exhale while you lower down. Don’t make this harder on yourself by holding your breath the entire time.
6. Plank Jacks To Plank Hold
This last move is basically two exercises in one, but stop whining because we’ve noticed how many PSL’s you’ve been drinking recently. (And you’re not even asking for skim milk. For shame.) Both moves start in a plank position, so start on your forearms with your body in one line and your feet a few inches apart. Make sure to squeeze every muscle in your abs, butt, and legs to keep your body stabilized the entire time. Then, jump your feet in and out, as if you’re doing jumping jacks without standing up. After about 20 jacks, hold the plank for a full minute, or as long as you can until your abs start crying. Whichever comes first.
