What are the latest and greatest health-related products? How can I spice up my ho-hum workout? Are the new nutritious food products and health-focused restaurants worth my money? If you're asking any of these questions you've found the right spot!Note: While I'm a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, I don't replace the guidance/counseling that comes from a good chat with your doctor or dietitian. For more information, feel free to contact me at karlaswalsh@gmail.com!
Healthful Bites
Ah, crunches and sit-ups. An exerciser can only do so many before begging for a spiced-up routine! Luckily, all of the group exercise classes and DVDs I try provide great inspiration for a nearly endless supply of ab moves. Just one of today’s exercises is reminiscent of a sit-up, but boredom is banished by using a dumbbell as an anchor and adding a leg extension for an extra challenge. Then try two awesome plank variations to strengthen your core from all angles. (When in the base position for planks, think of keeping your body in a straight line from shoulders to heels.)
Is there a move you dread or are bored with? Let me know and we’ll try to address that in a future post!
Who doesn’t want a more toned core? I know that I’m always looking for new ways to challenge my abs to shake up my routine and keep ‘em guessing. To fill that bill, today I have a video that builds on one move and makes it progressively more challenging. Keep moving fluidly through the exercises to work your core in a whole new way!
As I say in the video, try to stick with each mini-routine until you can’t complete any more reps—working your muscles to failure every so often surely brings the burn. Plus, you can track how many reps/how long you go this time, and try to beat it the next time you try!
For one last ab attack (in the best way!) add on a one-minute plank hold to each of your workouts this week, and I’ll do the same. Then come back and report how that feels for you! :)
There are only so many abdominal crunch reps that one person can do—but everyone wants rock hard abs, right? Well, I’ve got a few plank variations to try that you can toss into your core routine.
Planks are excellent for core stabilization and tone your “center.” Take a look at the video and then leave me a comment: do you have a favorite ab exercise? If so, do share!
PS: Next time I will wear my hair up so you can hear me better :)
