Here is the thing with power workouts: the shorter time it takes for the exercise regime to work, the more stressful it is on the affected area. So although there is much promise in a very short exercise routine, you should only try to endeavor such if you: either have enough motivation in doing so; or you already have prior abs workouts that your midsection can actually take on such challenge. The same is true with the 2 minute abs. In fact, the same is true with any workout that is supposed to bring your physique excellent results in a short as 10 minutes or less.

So how does the 2 minute abs go? Its simplicity is totally contrary to the fact that it has a high difficulty level. The one thing you have to remember with the 2 minute abs is that you need to constantly flex the muscles in your midsection all throughout those 2 minutes. It would be wise if you could do this routine as part of an entire body workout, instead of just doing this alone. However, if you would rather just like to do the 2 minute abs by itself, then it is highly recommended that you do some stretching first and a bit of warm up exercises so as not to shock your abdominal muscles into any spasmodic state.

You need to start of this exercise by lying flat on the floor. Place both hands at the back of the head and raise your shoulders off the floor by a few centimeters, putting your upper midsection in a perpetual crunch. Do not pull on your neck while doing so to avoid injuries. Now raise you legs up in the air, knees parted and bent at a 90 degree angle. If you are a novice, you can try to cross your ankles for support. If however, you prefer the entire flush, keep your legs and ankles suspended separately.

If your back hurts during this move, you need to at least find something to caution your lower back area to get through the rest of the routine because you need to be in this position all throughout the 2 minutes. If you are already using cushions or a mat, and the pain persists, do not force the issue anymore. You could always try less stressful exercise regimens.

Now once you get into the initial position as stated above, you need to lift your shoulders higher for about 8 to 12 reps. Keep your legs steady at all times. After the indicated reps, pull both your knees to your chest and hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Remember to keep your upper midsection in a perpetual crunch state. Extend both legs towards a 45 degree angle from the floor. Try to keep your knees straight and you toes pointed outwards. Again, for beginners, you can link your ankles together for support. However, the best way of doing this is by keeping your legs naturally apart.

Now pull in your knees toward your chest without lifting your back from the mat. Flex your ankles when you pull back. Do 8 to 12 reps in a fast fluid motion, and then perform the same set of actions with a 1 to 2 second interval for 8 to 12 reps.

After the last rep, raise both legs up, separate in a natural stance, with knees slightly bent and flex both ankles. Place both hands on the side of your neck and tuck both elbows into your chest. It's time to work on the oblique areas. Pull your right shoulder upward towards the left knee for one rep, and pull the left shoulder towards the right knee for another rep. Do these alternately for 8 to 12 reps. After the last rep, swing both arms forward, elbows straight, hands clasped together.

Pull the shoulders up forward, while your hands are thrust between your upright legs. Slightly lower yourself down with your hands to your chest. Now pull yourself up again but this time thrust your hands to the left, straining your right oblique muscles. Lower yourself down, and pull your shoulders up in a forward motion with hands between the legs. The next rep is for the hands to go to the right side, straining the left oblique muscles. Do this for 15 to 24 reps.

You need to move in a pace that is most comfortable to you. If you finish the routine faster than the recommended 2 minutes, then you can repeat the entire process until you do reach two minutes. If not, stop at the allotted time and slowly ease into a comfortable position. Breathe deeply after each exercise.