exercise of the week Tag

Plank with Chest and Back Series: Exercise of the Week

In the eighties and nineties we heard the words "six pack" used to describe strong rectus abdominals. In today's fitness industry, the words core strength is commonly being used, but what does the core really consist of? Anatomically, the core consists of the muscles in the hips, deeper muscles in the abdominals such as transversus abdominus (TA), multifidus and others surrounding the spine. One of the most important reasons to strengthen your core is because the structural integrity of the body depends on it. A very efficient method of training called Functional core training challenges the participant in an environment that uses...

Bosu Burpie Pushup: Exercise of the Week

If you haven’t already seen this blue and oddly shaped ball in your gym or fitness studio, you will soon because this fitness item is one of the best to hit the gyms in a long time. BOSU stands for “Both Sides Up” or “Both Sides Utilized” depending upon whether you are talking about the BOSU Balance Trainer (the product) or BOSU (the philosophical approach to exercise). Millions of people from all over the world now train with the BOSU Balance Trainer including many of the world’s top athletes. But you certainly don’t need to be a top athlete to benefit...

Swiss Ball Jackknife: Exercise of the Week

The Swiss Ball Jackknife, also referred to as the Knee Tuck is a great exercise for targeting your lower abdominals. Since the ball is unstable, your abdominals have to work hard to maintain your body position. Goal: Hold your lumbar spine in neutral alignment while flexing your hips and drawing your legs in. Muscles involved: Lower Abdominals, Hip Flexors and Shoulder Girdle. Action: Get into a pushup position with the tops of your feet on a Swiss ball. Place your hands just slightly wider than your shoulders. Keeping your back flat contract your abs and bend your knees and hips and roll the ball...