Q: I want to make my ab workouts more intense with a stability ball, but I don’t know where to start. Any suggestions? A: First thing’s first: make sure that the ball is the correct size for you. Determine this by sitting on a stability ball with your feet shoulder width apart. If your knees are at a 90 degree … Read More
Avoiding The Late-Summer Back Pain Blues
During the dog days of summer, the rush to cram in a few more outdoor activities often takes precedence over structured fitness routines. Many indulge in this reprieve, reaping the benefits of healthy bodies cultivated throughout winter and spring. One risk of this enticing exercise downtime, however, is that core and back muscles quickly become deconditioned, greatly increasing the potential … Read More
Variation Provides Abdominal Results
Welcome to the second part of our two-part series designed to provide variation and effectiveness to your abdominal workout. A good abdominal workout is essential for any fitness program as strong abdominals can reduce back pain and improve your athletic ability. Because your abdominals are at the center of your body, they can enhance your athletic performance by increasing your … Read More
Carving Out That Six Pack
If you have performed countless crunches or sit-ups with little benefit or if you are bored and uninterested with your abdominal routine, join in on some new and exciting abdominal exercises designed to get you back on track. To help you out, here is the first of our two-part series designed to provide variation and effectiveness to your abdominal workout. … Read More
Vertical Leg Scissors
Lie on your back and extend both of your legs to a 30-45 degree angle from the floor keeping them straight. Once in this position scissor your legs up and down moving them approximately 12-18 inches each time while keeping your lower back pressed firmly against the towel. The closer your feet come to the floor the harder this exercise … Read More
Transverse Abdominal Crunches
Start by lying down on the floor (an exercise mat or blanket may make this a little more comfortable) with your arms at your sides, your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Begin the movement by bringing both hands up to your left knee as you crunch your trunk up towards the left. Breathe out as you … Read More
Stability Ball Crunches
When using a stability ball you must make sure the ball is the correct size for you. To determine this sit on the ball with your feet shoulder width apart. If your knees are at a 90 degree angle the ball is the right size for you and you are ready to start. To perform an abdominal crunch effectively on … Read More
Rope Crunches
Start by placing a rope handle on a weight machine and place an exercise mat on the floor in front of the machine. Facing away from the weight stack, reach slightly behind your shoulders and grasp the end of the ropes in each hand. Hold the ropes tightly against the fronts of your shoulders and kneel down onto the exercise … Read More
Oblique Abdominal Crunches
If you have a nagging lower back injury, strengthening your abdominals can help to reduce the discomfort you feel. Strengthening your abdominals can also help to stabilize your trunk muscles helping to keep your body in proper alignment. Start this exercise by lying flat with your back on the floor. Bend your left leg and place your right ankle on … Read More
Medicine Ball Crunches
Lie face up on an exercise mat on the floor. Holding a medicine ball in your hands, extend your legs straight in the air above your hips. Extend your arms until they are straight and reach up trying to touch the medicine ball to your toes. Once you are as close to your toes as possible, return to the starting … Read More