Great Abs Guaranteed

Tony Horton
Year Released: 2001

Categories: Abs/Core


This abs routine was included as a bonus on a DVD set that I purchased (Turbo Jam's 5 Rockin' Workouts). It is a short but tough 8-minute abs routine led by Beachbody instructor Tony Horton. Horton is on a beach with two background exercisers (one is fellow Beachbody instructor Debbie Siebers; the other I believe is named Sandy). He explains that the workout consists of a total of seven exercises which are performed for 30 seconds each (there is a countdown timer on screen) and then repeated for a second round.

The seven exercises are as follows: 1) hip rocks, 2) leg lifts, 3) bicycles, 4) isolation holds to center, 5) isolation holds to left, 6) isolation holds to right, and 7) full-body crunches. The order of the exercises is based on the theory of "sectional progression," or working all muscles of the abdominals, moving from bottom to top (there is also a graphic on screen to illustrate this).

Sandy modifies some of the moves; I've found that I need to modify a bit further so as not to strain my back. Otherwise, this is an excellent routine that can be used daily, as the abs one muscle group that doesn't require an off day for rest. Spot reduction might not be possible, but I do believe in spot toning, and this is a great routine to assist with that!

Instructor Comments:
I don't have a lot of experience with Tony Horton, although I did try a few of the original P90X workouts on loan way back when. He seems lower-key here, although he does make a joke at one point about how he never stops talking. ;)

Beth C (aka toaster)

08/02/2014