Why Your Ab Workouts Aren't Working Yet and How to Actually Get Toned Abs

If you’ve ever googled "how to get toned abs" and ended up with a YouTube video full of crunches, this one’s for you. The truth is, ab exercises alone aren’t going to give you the results you’re after. And if you’re short on time (hi, mom life), wasting it on ineffective workouts is extra frustrating. In this post, we’ll break down what actually works when it comes to building core strength and toning your abs in a way that aligns with your goals and your season.

Why Your Core Feels Weak (Even If You’re Doing Ab Workouts)
“Abs are made in your workouts and revealed in the kitchen.” The core isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you feel. Many women think they need more crunches, but the truth is most of us need deeper activation. If your core still feels weak, squishy, or disconnected (especially postpartum), you may be targeting the wrong muscles.

Instead of starting with surface-level moves, start by training your deep core: your transverse abdominis and pelvic floor. These are the muscles that truly stabilize your body. As one client said, “I wasn’t weak—I was just training the wrong way.”

The Core Training Mistakes Most Women Make
Let’s talk about what’s NOT working:

• Doing endless crunches hoping to “spot reduce” belly fat
• Skipping core work in compound lifts like squats and deadlifts
• Holding your breath during exercises (yep—your breath matters!)
• Only training abs once a week as an afterthought

To get toned and feel stronger, your abs need to be engaged in more than just ab day. That means being intentional with your breathing, alignment, and core engagement through every part of your workout plan.

What Works: Core Stability, Strength, and Consistency
The secret to toned abs isn’t complicated. It’s just often misunderstood. Here’s what actually works:

• Core stability before core strength: Start with breathwork, bracing, and posture corrections. These are the “habits of the household” macros of core work—the foundation everything else builds on.
• Full-body strength training: Your core is active in almost every movement. Training your entire body helps your core show up strong and functional in everyday life.
• Nutrition that supports your goals: If your goal is to lose weight or see visible abs, this comes down to fuel, not restriction. Track your macros with a macros calculator, prioritize high protein meals, and build simple habits that stick.

What the Bible Has to Say About Your Core
In Ephesians 6, we’re told to put on the full armor of God—and what’s at the center? The belt of truth. Just like your physical core stabilizes your body, truth stabilizes your soul. You don’t need to obsess over your abs. You just need to train with purpose, walk in freedom, and stay rooted in who you are in Christ.

You Don’t Need Another Workout App—You Need a Plan That Fits Your Life
Women’s fitness isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things consistently. That’s where simple workouts and smart strength training come in. You don’t need to train for hours. You just need to show up with intention. Build a workout plan that supports your life, not one that drains it. Strength training 3x a week with intentional core work can be enough to get results, feel strong, and build healthy habits that last.

Toned abs aren’t about perfection—they’re about strength, stability, and a commitment to showing up for yourself one workout at a time. So next time you’re tempted to do 100 crunches, take a breath, engage your deep core, and remember: strength starts on the inside.