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Whether she’s bossing it on screen (we’re still obsessing over Killing Eve) or causing major envy on the red carpet, Jodie Comer’s strong physique is often a topic of conversation at Women’s Health. Most recently, the star stepped out for a cocktail event in London and showcased her killer core, which she built using expert guidance from elite trainer David Higgins.
Darren Gerrish – Getty Images
“I do Pilates with my trainer David Higgins,’ Jodie, 33, previously told the NY Times. ‘He’s in London, so we just do a FaceTime call. I need someone to make sure I’m not slacking.”
The good news? You don’t need a FaceTime slot with David, because when I trained with him back in 2023, he shared the brutal yet highly effective 100-rep ab challenge he prescribes to his celebrity clients (including the formidable Margot Robbie). Between crunches, toe taps, and minimal rest time, it targets the deepest layers of your abs to build true, functional strength. Here’s how to do it.
To caveat, no workout can magically produce visible abs (body composition, nutrition and genetics all play a role), but short, consistent workouts can significantly strengthen your core muscles. And that’s more important than simply having superficial abs.
100-Rep Ab Challenge
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20 toe taps (legs together)
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20 toe taps (legs together)
Optional: If you’re looking for a progression, David revealed that Margot would do this circuit five times while training for Barbie. Try increasing to two rounds, then three, and so on.
As for Comer’s Pilates routine, she previously told WSJ: “I do an hour of Pilates in the morning with my trainer. There’s something therapeutic about Pilates, especially getting on a reformer. I’ve never found something that’s changed my body the way that it has. I actually feel very strong.”
And speaking to Vogue, she recalled the revelatory moment she became a Pilates convert: “I was like, ‘Ohhhh, that’s my core!’ I’ve done so much weight training and gone to a PT every week, but it wasn’t until I did Pilates that I realized how my body should be moving.”
When we trained together, David shared his approach to Pilates—and why he’s such a big advocate: “I stick to durations over reps when using a reformer machine. Reformer Pilates keeps your mechanics working properly, to prevent injury and protect your joints, as it works all of your muscles unilaterally.” He shared the below workout, advising that you perform each exercise for 2 minutes. The key is to focus on control and precision over speed.
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Glute kickbacks, both sides
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