Last week Rachel shared with us 5 Ways to Get Swim Suit Ready Abs by Spring Break. Her tips were ways that you can modify your eating habits to make a huge impact on your body shape. Today, she shares with us 5 key exercises you should be doing to make your core strong and lean:
These are just a few key exercises you can do for your core! Plank, Side Plank, and Boat are all yoga poses. The L- Hang and the Hollow are core exercises we use in cross fit. Core work is essential when developing a strong body. You need a strong core to do any exercise well- whether is carrying a baby or hauling your groceries or riding a bike! Having a strong core can give you an extra “oomph” in the last few meters of a race, it can help prevent back injuries and yes, you can create that six pack abdominal wall “look” by using these exercises.
Remember, these are just a few that you can do- and the door is wide open for the “best” core work exercise. Bottom line is that you could perform these five exercises five days a week for 10 minutes total and feel stronger!
You could do each one for thirty seconds, rest for 30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times!
Plank: Engage quadriceps and draw your stomach muscles in tight.
Boat Pose: This pose can also be done with legs bent! I am giggling because I have a really hard time keeping my legs straight.
L-Hang: This pose was taught to me by my cross fit instructors. Simply place two chairs or benches the width of your hips and draw your legs up to parallel. You can also do this with legs bent.
Hollow: Legs should be one inch of the ground with your entire back on the ground. A modification could be hands under buttocks to keep the back touching the ground.
Finally, side plank. One of my all time favorites. A modification could be one knee on the ground!
Complete each one for 20-30 seconds and then rest. Repeat at least three times!
WOW! I’m impressed! Looks like I have a long way to go to match Rachel’s form but if I want a lean body by spring break, I better get busy!
Rachel’s outfit is provided by Shabby Apple. Check out their cute, affordable workout wear!
Read more from Rachel on her blog, Fit Mom’s Blog, for fitness and nutrition inspiration!
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omg…i hate ab workouts – but it is a necessity!
Aha! Just what I needed. I knew about the first and second pose from my random yoga days. Gotta insert the other poses as well
It’s so funny because my main shape up workout includes the planks and what do I not love so much? the planks. Oh well, no pain, no gain
Rachel, you are strong and fit…and such an inspiration to moms! Thanks for providing these great exercise options (with pictures). Now, I just have to force myself to actually try them!
P.S. I really like the look of those Shabby Apple workout pants.