Suspended Core Workout!

     As I covered quite a bit of times on why core stability and strength is crucial in everyday life. It is a must in any training program to build up that core to the fullest. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways for example through direct ab workout or indirect. Direct would be exercises such as ab crunches, side crunches, and any other movement that isolates the abdominal region. Indirect involves movements where your core is involved such as deadlifts, squats, and standing shoulder presses. These movements work involve the core due to the stability it requires when performing the movement.

     Rather then constantly doing the same workout routine day after day and not seeing any improvement. It is time to change that up with added twists! This ab workout involves the use of a TRX straps. TRX straps is a piece of equipment that can hook over the door of any room. It can also be used in gym settings as well. They are a perfect tool for people who are traveling and can't seem to make the trip to the gym. Since the TRX is such a versatile piece of equipment, they can pretty much be used to train any body part. Today we are going to focus on using them for core work. The workout is as followed:

1. Plank
     Like a normal plank, this one involves putting your two feet in between the loops of the TRX allowing for full suspension of the lower body. With your upper body assuming a push-up stance, hold for a total 30-60 seconds. After 30-60 seconds, slowly lower yourself down as if doing a push-up and begin to hold again for the same duration. Once completed, jump right into the next exercise.

2.Plank Knees to Elbows
     With your lower body still suspended and your upper body elevated with your hands extended. Begin by bringing one knee towards your chest as if you were climbing a wall then back. Continue this with each leg for a total of 30-60 seconds non-stop. Once again no rest in between exercises. After you completed 30-60 seconds of the movement, quickly go right into the next exercise.

3.Plank Knee Kicks
     This exercise is similar to the plank knees to elbows with the exception that only one leg is doing the movement at a time. Start with the first leg and begin to do a knee kick while in a push-up position. Do this on the first side for 30-60 seconds and then do the same for the other side. Finish up and then go into the last movement of the ab routine.

4.Standing One-Leg, One-Hand Contraction
     Start by standing up and grasping both handles of the TRX with one hand. Elevate the leg of the opposite side so that all your weight is on the leg of the hand that grasping the handle. With the one hand, reach up with your hand, then down and back with your foot, then bring your opposite knee up and pull your hand down. Doing each 30-60 seconds and then repeat the whole routine for 5 more times.

     This routine can be completed up to twice a week for added core strength and stability. Always make sure to use proper form with each exercise to minimize injury.