Abs/Core
Why This Exercise: Make the abs work harder by lifting the upper and lower body at the same time. Safer for your lower back by placing one leg on the ground
With an unstable surface, you will slow down and concentrate on balancing while doing the core movement
Target Muscles: Abdominal muscles and hip flexors
Pro Tips: Focus on folding in half over a large range of motion
If you have lower back pain, adjust the range of motion or change to a different exercise
- Place a 45 pound plate on a large disc
- Place a foam pad on top of the weight plate
- Lie with your shoulder blades off of the plate
- Raise both arms overhead and extend the right leg
- Fold in half and bring both arms and the right leg up
- Reach past your right heel and lower slowly until your body is straight
- Repeat on the same side and then perform with the other leg
- Your abs should feel a stretch and then a contraction. You are looking for the abs to burn and fatigue
- Your neck may bet a little tired and you should not feel low back pain
- Recheck your form but if pain persists, select another exercise
