Much of our ability to move and move well depends on the stability, flexibility, and dynamic activation of the abdominals, back extensors, and other muscles of the trunk. Below, I explore some key exercises and techniques to help you work on core strength.

Intro to Pilates Reformer Training

Intro to Pilates Reformer Training

I’ve recently added Pilates Reformer classes at the Southwest Denver YMCA to my teaching sched…

Four Exercises for Low Back and Inner Core Strength

Four Exercises for Low Back and Inner Core Strength

Ever hear of the multifidus muscle? It’s one of our four deepest core muscles, which include t…

Activate Your Pelvic Floor Muscles with Squats

Activate Your Pelvic Floor Muscles with Squats

Strong pelvic floor muscles are vital for both men and women. They support our internal organs, keep…

One Exercise for Better Pushups and Posture

One Exercise for Better Pushups and Posture

Pushups and planks deliver efficient workout results. With these exercises, you can key in on the pe…

Use This Pilates Technique for Shoulder Health

Use This Pilates Technique for Shoulder Health

No matter how strong you are, your shoulders are delicate pieces of machinery. They’re incredi…

Pilates Inspired Core Work

Pilates Inspired Core Work

You probably do Pilates moves in your workout, whether you call them that or not. Pilates has infilt…

Core in Four – Stabilization Exercises

Core in Four – Stabilization Exercises

If you want to get more fit, the core is an excellent place to start. A stronger core gives you much…

One-Minute Forearm Plank

One-Minute Forearm Plank

Try this one-minute forearm plank with me. The focus is on lengthening through the spine to achieve …

Barefoot Knee Drive

Barefoot Knee Drive

This video is an excerpt from the warmup for one of my weekly Barefoot Training Classes. The slowed …

Plank Variation: Bear Planks

Plank Variation: Bear Planks

If you do planks regularly, variations will help keep them fresh and challenging. Among some of the …

Three Moves for Core Strength

Three Moves for Core Strength

We know that strong core muscles will help you in nearly every athletic endeavor as well as day to d…

Exercise Snack: Two-Minute Transverse Ab Workout

Exercise Snack: Two-Minute Transverse Ab Workout

Have you heard the term exercise snack? It’s exactly what it sounds like. Small ‘fun-siz…

Barefoot Glute Activation

Barefoot Glute Activation

The gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body. Its function includes keeping us upright and …

Six-Minute Core Stabilization Workout

Six-Minute Core Stabilization Workout

With core stabilization exercises, you work to maintain good posture and alignment through the trunk…

Barefoot Single Leg Deadlifts

Barefoot Single Leg Deadlifts

Your gluteus maximus is the largest muscle in the body, and rightly so. It gets you from sitting to …

Three Basic Ways to Work Your Abs

Three Basic Ways to Work Your Abs

Trainers and coaches are fond of saying, “Engage your core.” It’s a nice simple ph…

Look at Foot Position with Your Planks

Look at Foot Position with Your Planks

Here’s a question for you – what are your feet doing in plank position? You probably don…

Core Work in Standing

Core Work in Standing

There’s no doubt you can get a great core workout on the floor with planks, crunches, and othe…

3 Minute Abs with 3 Basic Moves

3 Minute Abs with 3 Basic Moves

Here’s a quick ab workout designed for maximum benefits in a minimum amount of time. 3 Minute …

Four Reasons Your Ab Work Isn’t Working

Four Reasons Your Ab Work Isn’t Working

Have you been doing abdominal exercises for years, yet still aren’t satisfied with the results…

Stretch and Activate Your Intercostal Muscles for Better Breathing

Stretch and Activate Your Intercostal Muscles for Better Breathing

There are plenty of reasons to try and improve your breathing – among other benefits, you&#821…

What Exact Movement Lengthens the Spine?

What Exact Movement Lengthens the Spine?

I commonly use the phrase, “lengthen through your spine” to cue better posture and movem…

Ab Work in Pursuit of a Flat Belly

Ab Work in Pursuit of a Flat Belly

Truth: Everyone I know does ab work in pursuit of a flat belly. We can talk all we want about ab wor…

A Plank Challenge Can Become a Plank Habit

A Plank Challenge Can Become a Plank Habit

Four more days for my Summer 2020 One-Minute Plank Challenge! Next week, we’ll start on a new …

Ab Workout – No Crunches

Ab Workout – No Crunches

You can effectively work your abs without doing crunches. In a previous post, I talked about why you…

Maybe You Should Ditch the Crunches

Maybe You Should Ditch the Crunches

The U.S. Navy phased out crunches in favor of planks this year for their fitness tests. It’s o…

Three Simple But Effective Plank Exercises

Three Simple But Effective Plank Exercises

So many plank variations, so little time. Ha. If you’re doing my one-minute plank challenge it…

Plank – Up on Your Hands

Plank – Up on Your Hands

I’ve been spending a lot of time doing a plank on my elbows with my palms up to work on my cor…

One-Minute Planks at Taylor River

One-Minute Planks at Taylor River

Join me for a couple of unique one-minute planks: These back to back videos take you on a scenic tou…

Forearm Plank – Palms Up

Forearm Plank – Palms Up

Forearm plank position is a great workout for your abdominals.  You can make it even better by …

One-Minute Plank

One-Minute Plank Summer 2020 Challenge

I’ve given myself a challenge: Do a one-minute plank every day from now through Labor Day. Joi…

Core: Side Drops

Core: Side Drops

This is a great exercise to target the obliques. Beginners should keep the movement small, gradually…

Core: Bridge with Knee Extension

Core: Bridge with Knee Extension

The bridge is a great position for activating the glutes and stretching the hip flexors. Adding alte…

Core: Focused Side Kick

Core: Focused Side Kick

Here’s a deceptively easy core exercise that quickly becomes a great challenge for your core w…

Core: Bridge with Side Challenge

Core: Bridge with Side Challenge

This is currently one of my current favorite core exercises.  Here’s why I like it: It’s …