Do a 5 minute complete core workout just about anywhere — without any equipment or a single crunch. The #1 job for your core is to stabilize, so we’re going to focus on the front and the back of your body in this routine!
THE WORKOUT
Duration: 5 min
Repetitions: 6-8 repetitions of each exercise
Warm-up:
Arm circles forward and back, criss-cross your arms, torso rotations, squats and side reaches.
1. Inchworm:
Stand with your legs hip/shoulder width apart and start with your head and roll down to the floor. Keeping legs long, walk hands out until you settle into a plank position.
2. Plank front and side:
Place hands below your shoulders and maintain a neutral spine. Hold plank for a count of 8. (Draw your belly button in towards your spine AND squeeze your glute muscles). Shift into lateral or side plank for more of a challenge, keeping hips lifted for a count of 8. To increase the challenge from a front plank position, reach one leg underneath and across the body and tap the floor.
3. Mountain Climbers: (rotations)
From a plank position pull your right knee toward your right elbow and switch. For more of a challenge add rotation by pulling your right knee underneath you towards your left elbow and switch. To increase the challenge, place your foot on the outside of your hand, then switch feet for Everest climbers.
4. Superman:
From a prone position, squeeze your glute muscles and lift legs and shoulders off the floor and repeat. To increase the challenge extend your arms long.
5. Bicycles:
From a supine position, pull one knee in towards your chest while your other leg is extended long, hovering over the floor. Contract your abs and lift your shoulders off of the floor and support your head with your hands. Switch legs keeping your shoulders lifted and belly button pulled towards your spine. To increase the challenge pull both legs in and extend both legs simultaneously.
6. Hip Thrust:
Add a power element by pulling both legs in and thrust your legs (hips) off the floor using your abdominals. Allow yourself to roll up and repeat. To increase the challenge drop both legs towards the floor instead of rolling up.
7. Windshield Wiper Abs:
From a supine position, place your arms in a “T” shape and bring your knees and ankles together. Keeping your trunk stable, drop your legs from right to left, keeping your torso engaged. To increase the challenge, extend your legs long.
