Training at the gym is awesome, especially if you get motivation from other people. But when it comes core training, an at home abs workout can be just as effective. Forget about throwing on your signature gym clothes and driving through traffic. I happen to think it’s cool that you don’t need to leave the house to do your six pack abs workout.

Here’s the thing: you can go to the gym all you want. Heck, you can probably even afford to PUT UP your own gym. But you don’t have to go to THAT EXTREME to get ripped six pack abs.

Put away your wallet and think about these 2 key components for a second.

1. Knowledge. Do you believe that he/she who has the knowledge has the power? I certainly do! Information on abdominal muscles training is virtually ALL AROUND YOU. Set aside some time so you can do research on an at home abs workout that best suits your lifestyle. After all, learning is a never-ending process; you got to keep at it and get the most out of what you’ve learned.

2. Dedication. This is definitely not something you can buy at the supermarket. You must stick to your six pack abs workout and follow through to the end. Without dedication, you might as well say goodbye to those rock solid abs.

Start off by choosing a specific workout space in your home. This will enable you to adhere to a good workout habit. You will feel instantly motivated every time you enter that space.

Now, a yoga mat and an exercise ball are all you need to get in a good at home abs workout. They are hardly expensive and you can use them for other kinds of muscle-targeting exercises as well.

You can start off your routine by working out every other day, doing at least 3 abdominal exercises. It’s important that you do not strain your muscles, so having a whole day’s rest in between would do you a lot of good.

These three easy exercises can help you get started with your six pack abs workout:

• Bicycles. Take out your yoga mat and lie down. Place your hands next to your head with palms facing upward. Alternately bend your knees and begin a suspended cycling motion. While doing so, try to touch your right elbow to your left knee as it comes up, then repeat with the other side.

• Ball Crunches. For this at home abs workout drill, you will need to sit down on your exercise ball. Slowly lean back and allow the ball to roll under you. Stop when the arch of your back is resting comfortably on the ball. With both feet flat on the floor, perform regular crunches. Throughout this routine, you have to contract your abdominal muscles.

• Full Body Crunches. I need you to lie back down on the floor for this one. Place your hands across your chest and bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the ground. Lift your shoulder blades off the floor inch by inch as you pull your knees in at the same time. Hold it right there for as long as you can and then slowly go back to where you started.

Keeping it slow and intense is way better than fast-paced and reckless. The idea of getting six pack abs fast is EXCITING, I know. But gradually increasing your reps as well as the intensity of each exercise is the best and SAFEST way to carry out your at home abs workout.