I have a love-hate relationship with core work. I love what it has done for my running and my overall fitness, but for some reason I still hate to do it. It’s arguably the most important cross-training you can do and certainly the simplest and it takes the least amount of time, so why doesn’t core work get more love? I can get into a routine for long periods of time where I’m really good about core work, but then I’ll start slacking again. As soon as I do, though, I notice a difference – my back aches after a long run or even after work.
In my efforts to re-commit to core work, here’s a little photo essay of why it’s easy and fun. This entire routine takes about ten minutes (just two or three times a week and you’ll see results) and only requires one piece of equipment – a stability ball I picked up at Target two years ago for about 20 bucks.
CRUNCHES
Let’s start with the basics. I almost always do these first because I hate them the most. Must be 8th grade PE flashbacks or something, but sit-ups make me cringe. I do 25 of these.
Then lift your head and torso up. It doesn’t have to be far, just enough to engage your abdominals.
OBLIQUE TWISTS
Next, I do something easier. This is how I motivate myself to do the whole routine – I alternate between easy moves and hard ones. The easy ones are like a reward. This one can be done with a medicine ball, too, if you’d like a little more challenge. I love working my obliques because this is a move that you can totally see results from – these are your “six pack” muscles. I do 25 in each direction.
Start by holding the ball about waist-high in front of you.
Hold in your abs and twist all the way to your right. (Sorry this is blurry, my photographer was a 12-year old!)
Then twist all the way to your left – that’s one repetition.
PUSH-UPS
Okay, back to something more difficult – push-ups! I do 25 of these. Positioning the ball all the way at your feet is the most challenging, and putting it closer to your waist makes them easier. I usually aim for somewhere near my knees.
And down – nose to the ground!
TRUNK RAISES
Yay, time for something easy again! These are super simple and really good for your back. Just be sure not to hyper-extend. I do 25 of these.
Lay on the ball with it positioned under your stomach.
Then raise your head and trunk straight up. That’s it – easy peasy!
ONE-LEGGED SQUATS
Okay, time for some glute work! I do 25 of these on each leg. Good form is really important on any sort of squats – don’t let your knees go past your toes. Focus on keeping your weight in your heels and pushing your booty back. Since I used to be a preschool teacher, I sing the song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” while I’m doing this one to remind myself to keep my shoulders, knees and toes in line. Ha, ha!
Stand with one foot on the ground and one foot on top of the ball.
Lower yourself into a squat (note the shoulders, knees and toes). For me, this is so much harder than it looks! I am balance-challenged. I’ll post some of the maaaaaaaany outtakes of me falling off the ball on this one!
BRIDGE and BRIDGE CURLS
I know these don’t really qualify as “easy” but wait ‘til you see what comes next! I start with a straight Bridge for 30 seconds, then do 25 Bridge Curls. These are good for your back, your glutes and your hamstrings.
Lie on your back with your feet up on the ball. Raise your booty off the ground until your whole body is a straight line, like a reverse plank. Hold this for 30 seconds.
Bend your knees and roll the ball towards your booty, keeping your hips lifted off the ground.
Then push it back out to the starting position. When I first started doing this exercise I could only manage 10 reps.
Apolo Ohnos
I have no idea what these might really be called. I saw Apolo Ohno doing this exercise on one of those Olympics blurbs about the athletes and he made it look so easy, I thought I would give it a try. OMG, the first time I did this I could only do FOUR reps! It works your lower abdominals, which are the weakest of my core muscles. I’ve worked up to 15 reps on a good day, but mostly I make myself do 10.
Lie flat on your back with the ball in your hands over your head.
Simultaneously lift your hands and legs.
Transfer the ball to your feet.
Lower the ball to the ground, but don’t stop there!
Transfer it back to your hands.
And lower it back to the starting position. That’s ONE repetition!
TRICEPS DIPS
I save these for last, not because they’re easy, but because I absolutely love them! Working my arms makes me feel so strong and you will definitely see the results of this one – no more “bingo arms” that keep waving after you’ve stopped! I do 25 of these.
Start by sitting on a firm surface (you can use a couch, a table or a chair) with your legs straight out in front of you and your feet on the ball. Brace yourself with straight arms, but don’t lock your elbows.
Lower yourself down until your arms form a 90 degree angle.
Lift yourself back up to the starting position and repeat.
And that’s it! Anybody (including me!) can take ten minutes out of their day to be a better runner, a better cyclist, a better athlete. Show your core a little love today.
Melissa says
This looks like a great workout…thank you for posting!!
Julie says
You lucky duck…I can’t wait for my photographer to become 12…or even 10… 🙂
I totally want to start working on my core more… starting like right now! I am positive that a stronger core would have helped alleviate some back pain issues on race day for me.
I’ll do your plan tomorrow!
milesforbreakfast says
Thanks for the suggestions. I am horrible with doing core work but have been doing it more consistently lately because I know the benefits are huge
Char says
That’s it! I’m going to pump up my swiss ball again.
Running Ricig says
looking good!! I hate core work too! My balance ball has actually been uninflated since we moved (a year and a half ago). I should probably dig that back out.
Lancer!! says
Apolo Ohnos. That looks like it could be a tough one, considering all the steps for just one rep. May have to try those at the gym.
Michael says
Wow, great workout!! Thanks for posting! I am terrible about getting my core workout in even though I know I need to…esp with a bad back.
Amber says
I love this! I am in serious need of some core work!!
Colleen says
This is a great reminder that I’ve been neglecting my core! 🙂 Thanks for the pictures too! hehehe!
ajh says
I am a little shocked at the new car in my yard I haven’t bought too. Not such a different world.
I have been on the phone with my cousin – a used car salesman – and he tells me it is the oldest trick in the book. Not sure. However he has given me a ton of questions to ask. I have now done a ton of Internet research. I am finding more loan info. I have found out about incentives. I am researching other dealers (we don’t have tons -a small state. So I am a more informed consumer than yesterday. We’ll see what happens. I really like the car but my car is still driveable for now. My stomach is a mess and I am up not running but doing more research. I need a run and need to get out there!
Thanks for listening.
Christi says
I suck at doing core as well. I wish I could get it in my head that it is no big deal but my head keeps struggling with me.
Good luck!
bobbi says
I ADORE you for putting this on here (and with PICTURES for core dummies like me!) – I need to get back at it…Thanks!
Julie says
ok…I never did it the other day…but I’m doing it RIGHT NOW!! I’ll check in later to tell you how I feel 😉
The Green Girl says
You rock so hard for doing this. Thank you for sharing!