Core stability is the holy grail in the quest for a strong, balanced body. And while there are loads of great exercises that work I’m particularly partial to using a simple stability ball to give those core muscles a safe and effective challenge. So if you’re game, grab a stability ball and start with a basic plank. And if you want to amp it up, add a saw and circle motion to add extra challenge.
Read MoreThe wood chop exercise is a full-body move that strengthens your core — including your obliques — as well as your arms and legs. This exercise also boosts sports performance, especially in golf, baseball and tennis, as it improves rotational power. So I was stoked to collaborate with LiveStrong.com to discuss the benefits of several different variations of this move to create helpful demo videos. Read on to start chopping your way to a stronger core!
Read MoreIf you're looking for a way to progress your bodyweight dead bugs and target your upper core a little more, give these banded dead bugs a try! You can also turn them into a marching drill or leg drops. So many options!
Read MoreSit ups have had their fair share of ups and downs (no pun intended) in the fitness world. They’ve gone from being the “go to” ab exercise among gym goers and group fitness classes to being ostracized in favor of core stability moves like planks and paloff presses. So… should we or shouldn’t we be doing sit ups? Checkout my latest collaboration with LiveStrong.com where we do a deep dive into the do’s and don’ts for integrating sit ups into your core strengthening program including several videos of my favorite sit up variations.
Read MoreLet’s get our crab on! Crab touches are an awesome functional movement that improves mobility and core strength and can help alleviate a tight back, hips and shoulders. No wonder they are a favorite in my classes and amongst my personal training clients. Plus, they are kinda fun!
Read MoreCurious about that little ab wheel thing at the gym? Want some tips for how to use it safely and effectively? Here you go!
Read MoreThe Copenhagen Plank is the Regina George of core stability exercises. Beautiful and evil. This plank variation is great for runners or anyone who wants to improve frontal plane stability and adductor strength. Which is like, almost everyone! Hat tip to @dr.markpt and @pt.renew.
Read MoreCrunches and planks can get boring, and if you want to build well-rounded core strength, considering mixing up your routine with heel touches, which specifically target your obliques, aka your side ab muscles. Get the full scoop in this collaboration I did with LiveStrong including detailed videos of various progressions.
Read MoreIf the bulk of your core strengthening work consists of sit ups, crunches and other core flexing moves, consider doing more core stability or anti-rotation exercises like planks or this move called a Pallof Press. The trick is to pick a resistance that challenges you while still allowing you to move with symmetry and good posture (hips level, shoulders down, pelvis tucked). Start light with 2-3 sets of 12 reps each side and build. You will feel this all over especially in your core and glutes. These are particularly good if you have lower back issues and likely a safer choice than sit ups.
Read MoreROAR. This "beast" hold is one of my favorite exercises for building strength and stability in the core and shoulders.
Read MoreWhether you want a six pack or you just want a strong core for optimal health consider replacing crunches and sit ups (which can damage your lumbar discs) with these three core stabilizing plank variations which are favorites among my JJFit Challenge crew. Try them in a circuit for 30-60s each for 2-3 sets.
Read More2015 was the year of the headstand. Half a dozen clients this year came to me wishing they could do a headstand. Some thought it would be a fun performance goal and demonstration of upper body and core strength. Some felt self conscious doing inversions during yoga class against a wall. And one had a long term goal of doing a full, unassisted handstand. So I turned to Kathleen Beachler (Personal Training Manager at Equinox Pine Street and former gymnast) to help.
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