Before a long run I love to do this routine. So start with these few exercises with 3 sets of 15-20 reps. Next 6 or more mile run!
Decline Lower-Abs Blaster
Target Muscles: rectus abdominis
Set Up: Lie faceup on a decline bench with your head at the top. Grab the bench behind your head and point your legs towards the ceiling [A].
Action: Contract your abs as you raise your hips to bring your feet closer to the ceiling [B]. Pause, then slowly return to the start. Repeat for three sets of 15 to 20 reps.
Tip: Don’t swing or rock your hips as you lift them.
Abdominal Roller
Target Muscles: obliques
Set Up: Lie faceup on the floor, with your calves resting on a stability ball. Extend your arms at your sides and press through your palms to lift your hips from the ground [A].
Action: Keep your upper back in contact with the floor as you slowly twist your hips to one side [B]. Pause, and then roll back to the center and towards the opposite side. Do three sets of 10 reps on each side.
Tip: Watch that your back does not sag throughout your set.
Heel-to-Toe Crunch
Target Muscles: rectus abdominis
Set Up: Lie on your back with your legs extended; stack your feet and extend one arm towards the ceiling as shown.
Action: Lift your shoulders from the floor slowly; keep your eyes on the ceiling as you move. Pause, then slowly return to the start. Repeat for three sets of 15 reps; when you are through, reverse the position of your feet and repeat with your opposite arm extended.
Tip: This is a small motion; don’t allow your upper back to lift higher than necessary.
Side Plank with Raise
Target Muscles: obliques, deltoids
Set Up: Lie on your side with your legs stacked and your lower forearm resting on the floor. Hold a light dumbbell in your other hand [A].
Action: Lift your hips from the floor to bring your body into a straight line [B].
Next, lift the weight towards the ceiling until your arm is straight [C]. Slowly lower the weight, then your hips, to return to the start. Repeat for 10 reps, then flip over and do the same with your other arm. Aim for three sets on each side.
Tip: Try this exercise without the dumbbell first before attempting it with a weight.
By the Oxygen staff; Photography Paul Buceta source: http://www.oxygenmag.com/
Hey there. Love your workout! However, I'm just starting out after years of being sedentary. Do you have a modified version of the first exercise for this day? Doing this on a bench is just too advanced for me.
ReplyDeleteDo you have an alternative to use instead of a bench?? I just don't have one handy at my house
ReplyDeleteIs there a different way for me to do the decline low ab blaster. I am doing these at home & I dont have a bench
ReplyDeletewhile laying on the ground Contract your abs as you raise your hips to bring your feet closer to the ceiling [B]. Pause, then slowly return to the start. Repeat for three sets of 15 to 20 reps.
DeleteThe workout is great, but I don't have a ball to do the second activity, is there something else I can use or do to get the same workout?
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled across this website and I'm so glad I did. I've been working out routinely for about 6 months and I love the results I've got, but its been so mundane lately. You just supplied me with an array of new workouts that I've never even heard of, thank you so much! And you are so motivational to the women who comment on here, keep up the good work and inspirational comments!!
ReplyDeleteThank you. Welcome to the team
DeleteJust finished Day 2 - a little late to the party - and wanted to say thank you! Looking forward to seeing things change over the next 3 weeks!
ReplyDeleteFor the Decline lower-abs blaster can that be done laying on the floor or do you have to have a decline bench?
ReplyDeleteYes on the floor
DeleteI just completed day 3! Thanks Michelle! The only thing I need to REALLY improve on is my cardio. What do you think about stationary bikes a few days a week for cardio?
ReplyDeleteGreat idea... Do it.
Delete