An Easy Ab Workout for Your Crop-Top Wedding Dress

When it comes to wedding dress styles, crop-tops are the ultimate cool girl option. This dress type spotlights the waist and stomach, but if that makes you nervous, don’t let it hold you back from rocking a crop-top style! With a bit of dedication and an easy ab workout, you’ll be ready to show some skin in no time.

WeddingWire partnered with Katie Dunlop of Love Sweat Fitness to create a simple crop-top workout to whip your core into shape so you feel confident and strong walking down the aisle. The best part? You can do this workout at home in under five minutes — no equipment needed!

Follow along with the video below as Katie guides you through this easy ab workout that takes less than five minutes.

Frequency and Timeline

For best results, start this crop-top workout routine at least six to eight weeks before your wedding day. Perform each of the exercises for three or four rounds (varying reps) at least three days a week. You can also pair this easy ab workout with our quick arm workout for complete upper body toning!

Move #1: Forearm Plank Knee Taps

Start in a forearm plank. Elbows should be bent into an “11” shape on the floor, about shoulder width apart. Keep your hips low and your abs tucked under, making sure not to arch or curve your spine. Rest your gaze down toward your hands to avoid straining your neck. Beginning on the right side, alternate tapping your knees gently to the floor while keeping your toes in place. Do this for 20 reps and repeat at least three times. If the plank starts to feel strenuous, stick with it! This position strengthens your core but also helps tone your entire body.

Move #2: Reverse Plank March

Sit on the floor with your hands on the floor behind you, fingers facing forward, with your arms straight, knees bent and feet flat. Lift your hips up into a reverse plank position. Squeeze your abs and alternate bringing each knee up to your chest in a marching motion, setting your feet back down as lightly as possible. You’ll get the most out of this easy ab workout by focusing on controlled movements (i.e. less momentum, more muscle) to really utilize your core. You should feel the burn in your lower abs! Repeat for three or four rounds of 16 reps.

Move #3: Mermaid Crunches

Channel your inner mermaid for this next move in our easy ab workout. Use your forearm to rest on one side with your legs together and slightly in front of you, creating a wide “V” shape with your body. Roll back slightly onto the soft spot where your hip meets your seat. Lift your legs off the floor into a diagonal position in front of you, using your free arm to follow the same motion. Pull your legs into your chest, bending and opening your knees slightly while keeping your feet together. Extend your legs back out to the diagonal, and lower them down to the floor with a controlled movement. To modify, skip the leg extension and pull your knees directly into your chest. Do 10 reps and at least three rounds, then repeat on the other side for superwoman obliques.

Move #4: Mountain Climbers

You’re almost done! The last exercise in this crop-top workout begins with a full plank position (or forearm plank position to modify). Starting with your right knee, pull it forward in a diagonal direction to the left, as if you’re trying to touch your knee to your opposite elbow. Repeat this on the other leg. Start out slowly and then pick up the pace if you’re feeling comfortable. This exercise also gives you a bit of cardio as an added bonus — just be sure to keep your hips low and don’t arch your back in order to target the right muscles.