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Try This Deep Core Workout to Sculpt Your Tummy Like Dua Lipa

You’ll feel stronger, sweatier, and one step closer to your pop-star power moment.
FACT CHECKED BY Alexa Mellardo

Dua Lipa sets the bar sky-high for pop stars with jaw-dropping style, stage presence, and seriously sculpted abs. Whether she's dancing through a sold-out tour setlist or commanding a red carpet, her waistline looks like a sculptor carved it, and it's not just good genes. The Grammy-winning singer blends consistency, movement, and core-focused routines that keep her looking strong, lean, and red-hot no matter where she is.

From high-energy interval sessions to Pilates-inspired ab burners, Dua's fitness regimen is rooted in short but intense workouts that maximize every minute. She previously shared, "I love doing something that's really fast and quick, like a 15-minute HIIT session which I can do before I start my day" (via Women's Health). And let's be real: If it's good enough to power the body behind Future Nostalgia and those explosive dance breaks, it's good enough for us.

This 15-minute HIIT deep core workout channels that same efficient energy to help you tighten your waist, sculpt your abs, and boost your metabolism—no equipment, no fluff, just pure fire. Whether squeezing it in before work or pairing it with your go-to playlist (might we suggest "Levitating"), you'll feel stronger, sweatier, and one step closer to your pop-star power moment.

Sculpted Core HIIT: The Dua Lipa-Inspired Deep Core Workout

What you need: This bodyweight deep core workout will increase your heart rate without any weights or other equipment. You'll alternate between dynamic core moves and plank-based burners to light up your abs and boost your metabolism. The total time is just 15 minutes, perfect for a quick sculpt session that feels like a mini tour workout.

The Routine:

  1. Bicycle Crunches: 3 sets of 30 seconds
  2. Leg Raises: 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps
  3. Plank to Shoulder Tap to Reach: 3 sets of 30 seconds
  4. Mountain Climbers (Fast or Slow): 3 sets of 30 seconds

Directions: Complete all four exercises as a circuit. Rest for 30 seconds after each round, then repeat the circuit two more times for a total of 3 rounds. This HIIT-style format keeps your core under constant tension while elevating your heart rate to burn fat and sculpt definition. For more intensity, minimize rest and push your pace on mountain climbers.

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How to Do It:

1. Bicycle Crunches

  1. Lie flat on your back with your hands behind your head and knees bent at 90 degrees.
  2. Lift your shoulder blades off the mat as you straighten your right leg.
  3. Simultaneously twist your torso to bring your right elbow toward your left knee.
  4. Switch sides by extending the left leg and bringing your left elbow to your right knee.
  5. Continue alternating sides in a controlled, pedaling motion.
  6. Focus on squeezing your obliques with each twist and pressing your lower back to the floor.

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2. Leg Raises

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms by your sides or tucked under your hips for support.
  2. Press your lower back into the ground—this keeps your core engaged and protects your spine.
  3. Slowly raise both legs until they form a 90-degree angle with your torso.
  4. Lower them back down slowly until they're just above the floor—without letting them touch.
  5. Repeat for 12–15 reps. Move slowly to challenge your deep core muscles.

Tip: Struggling to keep your back down? Don't lower your legs as far—shorten the range and focus on control.

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3. Plank to Shoulder Tap to Reach

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands under your shoulders, feet hip-width apart.
  2. Engage your core and glutes to keep your hips steady.
  3. Tap your right shoulder with your left hand, then your left shoulder with your right hand.
  4. Next, reach your right arm forward, hold for a second, then return it to the ground.
  5. Repeat with the left arm.
  6. That's one complete rep—continue alternating for the full 30 seconds.

Tip: The goal is to keep your hips as stable as possible, like a glass of water could balance on your back.

RELATED: Flatten Your Belly & Get Abs Like Jessica Alba With This Easy Core Workout

4. Mountain Climbers (Fast or Slow)

  1. Get into a high plank position with your body in a straight line from shoulders to heels.
  2. Engage your core and drive your right knee toward your chest.
  3. Quickly switch legs, driving your left knee forward while sending the right leg back.
  4. Continue alternating legs in a smooth, running motion.
  5. Move fast for cardio, or go slow and controlled for deeper core activation.
  6. Keep your hips low and don't let your butt pop up too high.
Jarrod Nobbe, MA, CSCS
Jarrod Nobbe is a USAW National Coach, Sports Performance Coach, Personal Trainer, and writer, and has been involved in health and fitness for the past 12 years. Read more