Strong Core - Forget the sit-ups.

Spring is almost here!  Which means SUMMER is just around the corner.  For some, summer means the chance to finally show off all their hard training by rocking a bikini at the pool.  For others, the mere mention of "bikini" can spark cardiac arrest.  Wherever you fall on the spectrum, this is a great workout to strengthen your core which underpins almost everything you do at the gym AND in everyday life. 

Sit-ups are commonly associated with building strong abs, however, sit-ups only target the front abdominal muscles.  They also place undue stress on the back.  This strain can eventually lead to bulging or herniated discs, compressed vertebrae and nerve damage.

Plank and rotational exercises are much more efficient for tightening the entire core.  Compared to roughly seven muscles used during a crunch, the plank engages a whopping 20 muscles! This core workout, which can be completed in LESS THAN 20 MINUTES, will help strengthen not only the front abdominals, but your obliques and deep abdominals leaving your whole body feeling and looking stronger and LEANER.  

Keep in mind, however, that all the core exercises in the world are not going to give you those six-pack abs if you're not eating right!  Combine this workout with my meal plans and you'll be strutting your stuff in no time!

If this is your first workout of the day, make sure to do a 5-10 minute dynamic warm-up.  High knees, butt kicks, jump rope and squats are great exercises to get that blood flowing!

CORE WORKOUT (click the blue links to watch videos on how to do each exercise)
> Spider Crawl - 12 reps
> Side Plank Hip Raise - 12 reps each side
> Scissor Kick - 30 reps
> Bicycle Crunch - 12 reps, slow and steady
> V- Sit Crunches - 12 reps
Repeat circuit for 5 rounds.  Rest 60 seconds in between rounds.

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