Monday, March 19, 2012

5 Ways to Work Your Core

5 Ways to Work Your Core
Here are fives ways to help you develop the waist that you've been working towards. Once you've already begun to clean up your diet, your next step is to start an exercise routine .
5 Ways to Work Your Core


Before you begin, set some goals for yourself
    I will workout 5 days a week for at least 30-45 minutes.
    I will clean up my diet by cutting back on sugars, salts, and fats.
    I will invest in myself.

1. Bicycle Maneuver

5 Ways to Work Your Core

Lay down on your back, and place your hands gently behind your head. Slowly bend your knees until your right elbow meets your left knee. Then slowly release. Repeat the process by moving your left elbow to your right knee, and then release. For starters, try this exercise 12 times for one set.

Crunches on Exercise Ball
5 Ways to Work Your Core
This particular exercise helps you stabilize your entire muscle groups, and the core is engaged to do the work. Lay down with your mid-back on the ball. Place your hands behind your head, elbows out. Your legs should be out (like a sitting position with legs bent) to help you stabilize the ball. Slowly crunch yourself up, and hold for 3 seconds at the top. Then slowly release back to your starting position. This steps are repeat 12 time .


Vertical Leg Crunch
5 Ways to Work Your Core
Lay down with your legs extended up to the ceiling. Place your hands behind your head, and lift up your upper body off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, and then slowly release back to the starting position. Once again, start out doing 12 reps. Do 1-3 sets, and increase to 15 reps as you get stronger.

Torso Track
5 Ways to Work Your Core
To execute this exercise, purchase an ab wheel from any fitness store. The wheel is a very small investment, but you'll be happy with it's return. Grasp the wheel by the handles, and place your knees down on the floor. Slowly extend your body out by rolling the wheel. Once extended, slowly bring yourself to the starting position. This exercise hits all your core muscles. Start out with 8-12 times


Long Arm Crunch
5 Ways to Work Your Core
Lay down as if you are going to perform a regular sit-up crunch, but extend your arms above your head. Use your ab muscles to lift your yourself up, leading with your hands and arms. This position may seem awkward at first, but with time and practice, you will accept the challenge. Start with 12, then slowly work up to 3 sets of 12.