Work your core with these buddy poses that will guarantee a great ab workout.

When you think of ab exercises, you might be thinking of mundane repetitions that can get dreary when you’re doing them alone. It’s especially so because core workouts really do burn.

Forget the normal sit-ups and planks. These buddy poses will fire up your core while taking your mind off boring ab exercises. Grab a friend and a towel and try these moves out.

(Also read: The 15-Minute AMRAP Workout For Stronger Abs, Butt & Thighs)

Sit-ups with high-five

Switch up the basic sit-up by adding a high-five to each rep. You might want to make it more romantic and movie-like with a kiss, but we think solid high-fives are more motivating.

Lie down on your backs with your feet facing each other. Intertwine your legs to hold each other in place. Sit up slowly and give each other a high-five when you reach the top. Lower and repeat 20 times.

(Also read: The Best Pilates Classes in Singapore to Strengthen Your Core)

Partner V-up

V-sit ups work the entire core because they require a lot of strength and stability during the lowering and lifting process. This is a pretty advanced version of a sit-up, so you can stick to the previous move if you do not feel safe and comfortable doing this.

Have one person lie down on her back while the other person does a plank pose in the opposite direction on top of the partner. The base person should lift his/her hands straight up to support the legs of the partner while the top partner holds onto the base person’s ankles. Count out loud together as both partners sit up to create a square shape. Lower and repeat 12 times.

(Also read: Jia En’s Ultimate Ab Workout Will Set Your Core on Fire)

Partner hip raise

While top ab lines can start appearing after a few weeks of core exercises if you already have little fat around the area, it takes many months for the lower abs to appear. Women in particular struggle with the belly pooch due to hormones, so doing more lower ab-focused moves are a good idea.

Sit on the floor opposite each other. Lie flat and lift your legs straight up. Both of you might have to move to opposite sides to create space. Reach your hands down to hold hands. Decide on the direction and lift your hips up as you switch sides. Repeat 20 times.

(Also read: 5 Lower Ab Exercises That Effectively Torch Belly Fat)

Plank high-five

Planks are very common, and we can’t deny that they’re an amazing full-body move. To make things more exciting and to get through what always feels like an extended minute, do these fun high-five planks with a friend.

Start in a plank pose facing each other. Reach your hand out to touch your partner’s shoulder. This should be the distance kept as you perform this exercise. Using opposite arms, high-five each other as you remain in a plank pose with your body in a straight line. Repeat 30 times.

(Also read: Jaime Teo Spills Her Workout Secrets (Doing Planks Naked in The Bathroom!) And More)

Partner leg lift and throw

Training with friends can make working out less boring, and it can also make you burn more. This move requires your partner to forcefully push your legs down for you to engage your upper and lower abs. Just remember that the core pain is only temporary – don’t get too angry at your friend.

Lie flat on your back and have your partner stand near your head with their feet facing your shoulders. Grab onto their ankles for support as you raise your legs up to 90 degrees. Your partner should then push your legs down while you contract your core to resist and lower as slowly as possible. Repeat 20 times, then change positions.

(Also read: 20-Minute Partner Workout: Fun Couple Exercises to Do With Your BFF Or BF)