Thinking Spring? Work Those Abs!

With the nearing of spring, often comes a chore most women are not so fond of: the dreaded swimsuit shopping expedition. Before we get depressed, let's commit to focus on our core and abdominal muscles, since maybe, just maybe, it's not gotten the needed attention this cold, cold, winter.

This week, I encourage all of us to make abs and our posture top of mind. Think crunches. Think planks. Think standing up straight and tightening our core muscles when we walk. Pay attention to this critical muscle group during your workout. I understand, often we get to the gym, the club, or the fitness studio, and think. . .what should I do today? We get on the treadmill because it's easy. Starting now, go with a plan. Plan to devote 10 -15 minutes to your core, and particularly your abs. Determine what abdominal exercises you will do each day in advance of opening the gym door. Then you can cross it off the list before your leave. To get you started, here's a list of my five favorite core exercises:

1.  Front and side planks - love 'em!

 

2.  Russian twist (with or without a weight) - these rock!


3. Bicycle crunch - ohhh, work it baby!


4. Alternating single leg bridge - make it tight!


5. A girls night out with so much laughing it makes your abs hurt!

You can explore the Bank On Fitness Pinterest page to find more excellent workout ideas, including some pretty awesome abdominal and core workouts. Go even crazier. There are additional awesome abdominal exercises and for tips on an "ab friendly diet" here:  bodybuilding on abs. 

Make those abs hurt and affirmatively commit to your gal pals, that this year, it will be a great start to that swimsuit shopping season!