The CORE of the body is made up of the muscles of your torso and pelvis. Developing a strong core is essential to maintaining stability of the body, and who doesn’t want flat abs and tight bottom? On the other hand, weak core muscles can contribute to poor posture, injuries and pain in the lower back. I remember once complaining to my Yoga teacher of my back and neck pain, and all she said was “Work on a 6-pack”…..(okay!)
Here is a 5 minute core workout that I do everyday, it is a short, quick workout, best time to do it is in the morning. Get your timer ready!
1. Full Plank 1:00
Benefits area: Lower back, Bottom, Thigh, Calf, Abs, Chest
Tips: Spread fingers wide for support. Hold your tummy and bottom tight, take long and smooth breaths, look slightly forward.
2. Forearm Plank 0:30
Benefits area: Lower back, Bottom, Thigh, Calf, Abs, Shoulders
Tips: Keep the hip inline with the rest of your body, everything tight and take slow long breaths.
3.Raised Leg Plank, 30 secs each leg total 1:00
Benefits area: Lower back, Bottom, Thigh, Hamstring, Calf, Abs, Shoulders and Triceps
Tips: Keep the hip even and don’t collapse to the ground. Don’t forget to breathe.
4. Side Plank, 30 secs each side total 1:00
Benefits area: Obliques, mid back, shoulders and triceps.
Tips: Flex the shoulder and triceps to support the body off the ground, use your obliques to keep the hip inline with the body.
5. Full plank 0:30
Repeat Step 1 for 30 seconds.
6. Forearm Plank 1:00
Repeat Step 2 for 1 minute.
Tips: Don’t hate me. We are almost there. Breathe.
That’s it. In 5 minutes you have fired up your core, worked your arms and bottom. Strong core saves you from back problems.
Try the exercise for 30 days, let me know how you feel! What is your favorite core routine?
