Fit Tip: Cut Out the Crunches
Posted on November 5, 2012 at 7:00 am
Monday Morning Fit Tip:
STOP CRUNCHING-
FOCUS ON YOUR ENTIRE CORE
Core workouts aren’t just another fitness trend. A strong core, which includes the muscles from your shoulders to your hips, can help prevent or reduce back pain, improve athletic performance and improve posture. Plus, who doesn’t like the look of a tight and toned abdominal area?
Research has shown that crunches are not the most effective exercises for this area – plank is. Try these variations of plank for a stronger, slimmer core!
1. Plank
3. Wide-Legged Plank with Arm Lift
Hold as long as you can with your stomach muscles held in tight, 30-60 seconds.
2. Side Plank
Hold for 30 seconds on each side. If 30 seconds is too long, try a 5 second break in the middle until you feel ready to take that break out.
3. Wide-Legged Plank with Arm LiftStart in forearm plank with your feet wider than normal. Your body should form a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Raise and straighten your right arm, thumb up, and hold for 5-10 seconds. Return to starting position and repeat left. That’s one rep. Try 5-10.
4. Side Plank Reach Under
Contract your abs and torso. Reach under and behind your body with your top hand, then reach it all the way up, chest lifting towards sky. That’s 1 rep, try 5-10. Then roll over and repeat on the other side.
Try to complete 3 sets of these exercises 3 times a week to strengthen and tighten your core! Questions? Want someone to check your form or help you get started? Ask a trainer at the club, we’re always here to help!
