Plank It Out

The truth comes out, washboard abs do exist! Well, at least half-truth…we all do have the muscle that looks like a washboard, but it lies under a couple layers in our stomach.  With proper dieting, and the right exercises you can let those tight abs show!

Let’s break it down.  There are only four muscles of our “abs”.

-Rectus Abdominis: the “washboard” muscle

-External Oblique: which are those nice lines down the side of the stomach

-Internal Oblique: lie under the external oblique

-Transverse Abdominis: the innermost muscle

One of the best go-to ab exercises is a plank!  Not to mention there are so many different ways to modify it to make it easier, or to make it harder!

For Beginners:

Hold each of these for 20-30 seconds or as long as possible. If you find that you are struggling and feel pain in your lower back, STOP…take a breather and try it again until you get to the total 30 seconds. A few seconds leads to more and more.

Looking for an effective program that’s easy to follow and for all fitness levels, from beginners to advanced? The Total Body Transformation Program is just a click away!

Try and go through this circuit 3x’s!

1. Regular Plank on knees

2. Right Side Plank on knees

3. Left Side Plank on knees

4. Laying Down Single Leg Raise with bent knee

For Non-Beginners:

If you are a little more familiar with working out and want to make this harder, do 1-3 with your feet stacked on one another, and for 4 do regular Leg Raises.  Do each exercise for 1 minute!

Exercise and health are matters that vary from person to person. Participants of the daily workout should speak with their doctors about their individual needs before starting any exercise program. This Web site is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice and supervision of your personal physician. Any application of the recommendations set forth in the following pages is at the viewer’s discretion and sole risk. See your physician before beginning any exercise program. This is especially important if your family has a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, obesity, cigarette smoking, or other health conditions. If you have any doubts whatsoever, consult your physician.