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Assess Your Ab Work
Countless crunches and multiple sets of Russian twists might tone your abs, but they're not so great for your back. Not only that, but they aren't functional movement, meaning the strength gained in these exercises won't really help you outside the gym. Repeatedly rounding the spine in a crunch or full sit-up sets the stage for a disk injury.
No Equipment Necessary: Running Plank
If you're looking for a way to burn calories while toning your upper body, core, and calves, have I got the exercise for you. This is a variation of plank that you can do anywhere.
"Back Back Back," by Ani Difranco
If you'd like more detailed instructions, read more
Squats vs. Elbow Planks
We all have exercises we love and exercises we work hard to avoid. I have heard complaints about both squats and elbow planks. These two exercises are workout staples for me, and I must admit I love them both.
My Spring Equinox Fitness Challenge
Week one of my Spring Equinox fitness challenge left me sore in all the right places.
Both my sessions last week began with three circuits each containing two exercises, with each circuit repeated three times. Having a skilled eye watch me perform pec flies while reclined on an exercise ball is really helpful and I am learning how I like to cheat.
4 Planks to Work Your Core
Planks are always more challenging than they look, and that is just one reason why I love them. They work wonders for your core as well as your shoulders and require no equipment at all. With planks, it's easy to track your progress; the stronger you become, the longer you'll be able to hold the positions.
Four Ways to Rock the Plank
The plank is one of my favorite multitasking moves. It works your abs, your arms, and your back, and you can do it pretty much anywhere, without a bit of equipment. Better yet, it's highly versatile: Vary the moves just a bit, and you've got a whole new exercise.
Take Your Elbow Plank For a Walk
When you're working out, getting to the core of the matter doesn't always mean being static. Yes, holding an elbow plank will work your core, but to really fire it up, take those elbow planks for a walk. The challenge of moving your body forward and backward, as well as side to side, works your abs, back, and arms nicely.
No Equipment Necessary: Elbow Plank With Donkey Kick
I love an exercise you can do anywhere, anytime. I like the ones that require no equipment. This elbow plank has an added kick to it, and I mean that literally.
No Equipment Necessary: Plank on Elbows
The Plank is a great way to work your abs, arms, and back. All you need in order to do this version of the plank is your own body weight. Here's how you do it:
- Get face down on the floor resting on your forearms and knees.
- Push off the floor, raising up off your knees onto your toes and resting mainly on your elbows.
- Contract your abdominals to keep yourself up and prevent your booty from sticking up.
- Keep your back flat — don't let it droop or you'll be defeating the purpose.
Get on the Ball: Plank to Pike
Figuring out how to work an exercise ball into your workout is totally worth it! The ball can transform basic exercise into a super challenging more effective move – crunches on the ball are a perfect example. One of my favorite ball exercise is the Plank to Pike move (or in Pilates we call it "Up Stretch" like the Reformer exercise).
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