Core exercises..which are the best

[Hockeychic]

After being inspired by Maura's weight training thread I was wanting to add some core exercises.

What are your favorite, most effective core exercises?

Thanks
Kim

 

[jmasgat]

I actually inspired someone?

Kim I have this one that I do with a fit ball. You lie on your back with your arms over your head and the ball between your feet/lower legs. Then you lift you lift your arms and legs and transfer the ball to your hands and lower your arms and legs. (So now the ball is in your hands and your arms are over your head) Then you reverse. You do this for ten complete sets (one set = one transfer to hands and back to legs)

Don't know if that makes sense, but it is a good one. Also planks--and side planks.

Maura

 

[Hockeychic]

Yes Maura you did

Thank you, yes I can picture this and will try it.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Hi Kim! I do modified crunches - you lie on your back and place both hands underneath your lower back, you bend one leg keeping your foot on the floor and then lift your shoulders slightly. It's a very small movement but it's just as effective as a sit up. There's just less strain on your back and more focus on your core when you do it this way.

Woodchoppers, Spiderman crawls (hate hate them though), planks, t push ups are the ones that come to mind.

I usually do these with my trainer and we combine them with weights and some cardio exercises.

 

[Steffwalks]

Kim, I do Pilates mat workout and change it up with the Benderball from time-to-time. A great place to find videos and have a good idea of what you are buying is at www.collagevideos.com.

 

[Creativebeth]

Kim: I swear by Pilates.....nothing better for the core. There is many good DVD's (I love the Bender ball videos) or maybe a class at your gym? My core is so much stronger with doing Pilates once or twice a week.

Beth

 

[geaux_half]

I've done the mcmillan running stage 1 runner's core routine before; I need to start doing it again. I started out just but found that is much more effective
I see there is now a stage 2 & 3 dvd out there as well. I may have to try those out as well.
http://www.mcmillanrunning.com/coredvd.htm

 

[Sandy321]

Thanks for this thread!!

Maura that makes perfect sense!! The other ball work I like is to lay on the ball - your hands in front - then walk on your hands forward - eventually work up the strength that the ball is on your ankle area - I'm up to my knees!!

also planks!! Dr Oz has some great videos to help see these!!
http://www.realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/you-on-a-diet/
after you register you can see their 20 min workout!

and I love the "original Pilate Queen"! it wasnt Pilates back then - but same -
http://www.callanetics.com/method.php Callan Pinckney

 

[Hockeychic]

Thank you all for the awesome ideas!!!