Only have 20 minutes to spare?

Put your core strength to the test with these kettlebell exercises for your abs.

In a literal abyss of here-today, gone-tomorrow fitness trends, kettlebells have proven they’re here to stay.

A woman is doing kettle bell swings at the gym

Photo: Getty Images

Plus, there’s no “right” way to perform this kettlebell core workout.

After you finish the last kettlebell exercise for abs, start back at the first move and repeat.

Rest as needed, but keep it moving.

Kettlebell Swing

A.

“Keep your spine long and straight throughout the movement,” says Duncan.

The higher you swing the weight, the more challenging the kettlebell exercise is for your abs.

B.Pick up the kettlebell and swing it back between legs, shifting hips back.

Kettlebell Swing

B.

(Contract glutes, quads, and core throughout the swing.)

A.Stand with feet together, holding the heavier kettlebell in left hand at side.

B.Step left foot back into a reverse lunge until left knee grazes the floor.

Kettlebell Swing

C.

As knee approaches the floor, simultaneously pass the kettlebell under front leg into right hand.

That’s one rep. Repeat, alternating sides.

Do 6 repsper leg.

Reverse Lunge with Kettlebell Pass

A.

Half-Kneeling Kettlebell Chop

Staying balanced in a half-kneeling position is tricky in itself, says Duncan.

Keep your hips as stable and squared as possible as your arms move through the chop motion.

Using both hands, hold the lighter kettlebell low beside left hip.

Reverse Lunge with Kettlebell Pass

B.

Reverse the movement to bring the kettlebell back down by left hip.

That’s one rep.

Do 12 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

A.Lie face-up on the floor with legs outstretched and feet shoulder-width apart.

Reverse Lunge with Kettlebell Pass

C.

B.Keeping the kettlebell steady overhead, brace core and sit all the way up.

Right bicep should be next to right ear.

Slowly and with control lower back down to the starting postion.

Half-Kneeling Kettlebell Chop

A.

That’s one rep.

Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Keep your eyes on the kettlebell and the arm holding it locked out, she says.

Take the move slow and focus on control.

Half-Kneeling Kettlebell Chop

B.

Press the kettlebell up overhead so bicep is next to ear and arm is locked.

B.Shift weight into left heel and look up at the kettlebell.

A.Start in a high plank position with the heavy kettlebell on the floor behind right hand.

Single-Arm Kettlebell Overhead Sit-Up

A.

B.Keeping core engaged, pull kettlebell beneath torso and over to the left side.

Rest the kettlebell behind left hand’s position.

Return left hand to the floor.

Single-Arm Kettlebell Overhead Sit-Up

B.

That’s one rep. Repeat, alternating sides.

Do 10 reps per side.

Kettlebell Windmill

A.

Kettlebell Windmill

B.

Kettlebell Windmill

C.

Plank with Kettlebell Drag

A.

Plank with Kettlebell Drag

B.

Plank with Kettlebell Drag

C.