Many fitness enthusiasts, including journalists like myself, struggle with consistency. Despite understanding the importance of core strength, life often gets in the way. When given the chance to test the Women’s Health Flex Challenge Abs Enthusiast track, I jumped at the opportunity to revitalize my training and prepare for snowboarding season. The Flex Challenge is a customizable 28-day program with diverse coaching styles and workout types, including a dedicated core-focused track.
The goal wasn’t solely aesthetic; improved core stability and control were the primary objectives. After a few weeks, I found myself genuinely invested, achieving results beyond initial expectations. Here’s a detailed account of my month-long experience.
Variety Within the Abs Focus
The Abs Enthusiast track offers five distinct workouts across six days, blending core exercises with full-body strength, HIIT, and conditioning. This approach ensures comprehensive strengthening, not just isolated abdominal work. All routines require only body weight, dumbbells, or a yoga mat, completing in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy schedules.
Jenna de León’s seven-minute weighted dumbbell workout forms the core of this track, consisting of a warm-up, circuit, and cooldown. It’s efficient and effective: get in, work hard, and move on.
Initial Motivation and Rapid Engagement
The first week began with high enthusiasm. The 10-minute dumbbell strength workout flowed seamlessly into the seven-minute abs routine. The pace felt manageable, allowing for gradual resistance adjustments. The abs workout itself proved deceptively challenging: short but intense, combining cardio bursts with targeted core exercises. De León’s energetic cues created an immersive, motivating experience. I found myself adding an extra core session on rest days.
Hannah Bower’s bodyweight EMOM workout initially seemed daunting, as HIIT is no longer a priority in my routine. However, the warm-up was generous, and the first round was surprisingly manageable, pushing just enough to feel challenged without being overwhelming.
Adriene Mishler’s yoga sessions provided a welcome balance, prioritizing stretching and mindful breathing—often overlooked in my typical routine.
Progression and Reinforcement
By week two, familiarity bred opportunity for progression. I increased dumbbell weights (to 12 pounds for core moves, 20 for overhead) and pushed harder on HIIT reps. Coaches’ motivational cues, like Wilson’s encouragement to thank the body, further reinforced positive reinforcement. Even while battling a cold, I maintained the schedule, rearranging workouts based on energy levels.
Form and Mindful Engagement
Week three shifted the focus to form and core engagement. Knowing the exercises allowed for greater attention to breathing, posture, and position. Conscious effort maintained intensity despite fatigue. The intentional warm-ups proved invaluable, preventing post-workout soreness even with heavier weights.
Measurable Results and Functional Strength
By the fourth week, subtle visual changes appeared, but more significant was the functional improvement. Core engagement felt more natural in everyday activities: pulling a sled uphill, swinging with my child, and maintaining stability on the slopes. The stronger core translated directly into enhanced performance.
Key Takeaways
The Flex Challenge revealed three crucial insights:
- Trainer Motivation Matters: Follow-along workouts foster a class-like atmosphere, providing the accountability and energy often lacking in solo training.
- Warm-Ups Are Non-Negotiable: Skipping warm-ups is a false economy. Proper preparation reduces injury risk and maximizes performance.
- Targeted Isolation Complements Holistic Training: While full-body functional strength is essential, direct core work accelerates stability and control.
The Flex Challenge delivered noticeable results, both in appearance and real-world functionality. While visible abs take time, the program demonstrably strengthened my core and improved overall movement.
