Posts Tagged "core"
Saghi: Focus on Form
“Core, core, core, think core, Saghi!” I must have heard this every single session I have had with Jess this past week. We’re working on my balance and building a stronger core. You must be wondering how we’re doing this – how does doing a plank on a bosu and stability ball sound? It sounded absurd to me, and thought Jess had lost her mind in wanting me to do this. The first time was difficult, I felt discouraged as I wobbled continuously. But it got a little better each time after that. Jess always says that it gets easier after the first set, and she’s right. It really does. She kicked my ass on Wednesday night. Resting in between...
Read MoreRyan: My Fourth Week with Manning
More photos at the bottom. Two solid training sessions with Jessica in the gym last week. At first I was feeling like I had improved so well, because I wasn’t drenched in sweat like usual! But sure enough, we cranked up the intensity and the sweat started flowing almost immediately. Haha – so much for that! To say Jessica is observant of your body while you are working out is an understatement – she is damn well in tune with it. She says she listens to the body over the person’s voice, and she is not going to let you get away with half-assing it. Works great for me! You can’t fault this system – my shoulder continues to feel stronger...
Read MoreRyan: My Third Week with Manning
Week 3! Well, I was right to be worried after my last weekend’s madness – Jessica whooped me good. Jess claims that a solid leg workout is a great way to punish a dude! So naturally, she slammed me with one hell of a leg workout. Some stand out exercises were: jump squats onto the bosu, one legged burpees, bench jumps and jumping lunges on the bosu. Once my legs were good and toasted we switched to core. I never knew there were so many different variations of the plank. Planking with my feet on the bosu and my arms on the Swiss ball was an extra special treat (sarcasm). This was one seriously challenging workout! As usual, at the end of the workout we spent some...
Read MoreHow to Engage Your Core
I recently answered a few questions for an article on Fresh Juice, found here. I also wanted to share with you some lengthier elaborations, as they may be of some use to my readers and to my clients: Visualization techniques for engaging the core: There is a natural collapse inward in the abdominal muscles as we exhale. Therefore, exhaling can emphasize a tightening or a closure through the core. In order to first learn to wring air out of the abdominal area, thereby engaging the core, start with the breath. Sit up straight. Lock your pelvis still. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, think about pressing the belly button back toward the spine. We are...
Read MoreTakeItOff – New Video: Side Plank, from Beginner to Advanced
I’m passionate about everybody, of all levels, integrating this exercise into their plan for the following reasons: A strong core helps you push A strong core helps you pull A strong core helps you kick, jump, climb, dance, ride (horses, waves… whatever), run, leap, balance AND A strong core makes you really want to walk around your house naked. NOTHING will make you more comfortable walking around just the way you are, garment-less, than flat, tight, lean abs. So, without further ado, the side plank that’s right for YOU:
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