Wednesday's Core Builder Workout

Get ready to feel the burn - in a good way! This workout hits the core from all angles for a complete strength-builder that you can do on its own or tacked onto the end of another workout.

Circuit - repeat each move one right after the other for 4-5 rounds, resting 1 minute in between each round!

1. Russian Twists x 10 each side (20 total)
2. Plank updowns x 10 each side (20 total)
3. Slow mountain climbers x 10 each side (20 total)
4. Three point crunches (right, left, middle = 1, do 5 total)
5. Plank walkouts x 10

Russian twists - ​You can complete these with or without weights. Focus on keeping the spine straight (imagine making a “V” with your upper body and thighs) and taking these slow and controlled. Keep the feet as still as possible (place them on the ground if you need!) and squeeze the obliques with each twist.

Plank updowns - Plank updowns will of course work the front of the core, but you’ll also feel these in the low back as you stabilize yourself during the up and down pattern. Make sure to keep your spine straight (not dipped or arched) and keep squeezing the core until your reps are up. You can go on your knees if you need a modification.

Slow mountain climbers - Prop yourself up into a plank position on your hands and feet. Slowly bring one of your knees in to your opposite elbow, squeezing your abdominal muscles the entire time. Return the leg to the starting position and repeat on the other side, going back and forth for 20 full reps. This slower pace will really exaggerate the burn!

Three point crunches - This move works the entire front of the core by incorporating the obliques as well. Try holding the move for a second or two at each “point” to really feel the burn!

Plank walkouts - ​You won’t feel the core as overtly with this move. Instead, walkouts are a great example of the core’s role in stabilizing your form in a full-body movement. Focus on keeping the core tight and strong as you walk out all the way to a plank, and back up.