How often to do abs workout?

[randomsabreuse]

Trying to plan a workout schedule. Need to get fitter as I turn 40 and the kids get heavier to wrangle and with no school runs to do until the 18th at least now seems like a good time...

I've got a running plan on my Christmas Garmin. Seems decent and realistic enough.

Have a 30 day Mobility Reset to do from 1st January which is 'gentle' strength and flexibility (no impact rather than 'easy')

In lockdown one managed a 60 day yoga streak which had me feeling better than ever, have just restarted properly after relocating my motivation.

Can't work out when/how often to add in abs/strength training. Most of the "challenges" are 5 days a week. Is this normal?

Not averse to HIIT when DH's job gets in the way of running.

Also any advice on stuff that is 'ok' for a rest day but still gives the little exercise buzz that I will need to get the latest batch of homeschool pain!

Thanks!

Do whatever you like on a rest day to get that buzz. Including actually exercising. I have only taken one rest day in the whole of December but I do different things each day (basically a plan I repeat each week). I'd recommend doing strength training at least twice a week. But there's nothing to stop you doing longer cycles if a 5 day a week plan appeals.

I'm a bodybuilder and I never do ab exercises unless I'm in competition prep. Other than that I strength train 5 times a week (when the gyms are opened )

I was doing daily exercise in lockdown 1 but definitely can't do daily impact exercise without getting very sore! Mixing running and Joe Wicks was not a good idea. Need at least a couple of days low impact. Fine with daily yoga but find yoga isn't "energising" at my level of skill although I'd imagine a proper flow would be (my transitions are very limited by poor suppleness!). Cycling can work but is even more limited by weather/childcare than running!