April 26, 2024

Side Plank for a Strong Core

Fit Body:

Side Plank for a Strong Core

Begin lying on your right side on the floor. Place your right hand directly below your right shoulder. Keeping your body and legs straight lift your body up off the floor. Hold for a count of 10-15, and then release. Repeat lying on your left side. Lift and hold for 10-15 seconds, then release. For more of a challenge, hold your top arm straight up, perpendicular to the floor, with your palm forward.

Power Up your Pushups

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Power Up your Pushups!

Think of pushups as a moving Plank exercise. This exercise is as much about your core, as it is your upper body muscles. Keep your abs tight and body straight. Pull your shoulders down into your body and tuck your chin in. If you’re up for a challenge: Only push up half-way. Pause for one or two seconds, then immediately lower your body down into the next rep. For even more muscle work, do one set to fatigue (in good form) at the end of your workout.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Strengthen Your Core

Get Fit Quick Tip:

 Ab Tuck 

To build core strength implement this ab exercise into your routine. Begin seated on the floor. Lean back slightly and lift both legs up off the floor, then extend your knees. Hold both arms straight out in front of you to stay balanced. Next lift your torso, and bend both knees pulling them in toward your chest. This completes 1 rep. Start with 10 reps.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Master Your Squat!

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Master Your Squat Exercise…First.

Work your legs and core all in one move with a squat. Mastering proper form on your squat opens the door to endless additional variations. The squat is also a functional movement, meaning you stand up and sit down countless times during your daily activities. So having adequate strength to do so properly means a reduced risk of injury.

Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Extend both arms straight out in front of you to help counter-balance sitting back. Bending from your knees and hips, sit back and lower your body down about 6 inches to start. Stand up straight to complete one rep. Here are you essential form points:

Keep your shoulders down and back.

Keep your chin parallel to the floor and ears directly over your shoulders.

Maintain neutral pelvis.

Pull your belly button in.

Maintain knee alignment over your ankles.

 

Consult your physician before performing exercise.

Challenge Your Plank!

Get Fit Quick Tip:

Bird Dog Plank!

Begin in a plank on your hands and toes. Keeping your torso stable, lift your right hand and left foot about six inches off the floor. Without rocking your torso, lower your right hand and left foot and immediately lift your left hand and right foot. Repeat until 10 reps total are complete. The key is not how high you’re able to lift your hand and foot, but maintaining proper alignment and form when transferring from side to side.

 

*Consult your physician before performing exercise.