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
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
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
Strong pelvic floor muscles are vital for both men and women. They support our internal organs, keep…
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
No matter how strong you are, your shoulders are delicate pieces of machinery. They’re incredi…
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
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
Try this one-minute forearm plank with me. The focus is on lengthening through the spine to achieve …
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
If you do planks regularly, variations will help keep them fresh and challenging. Among some of the …
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
Have you heard the term exercise snack? It’s exactly what it sounds like. Small ‘fun-siz…
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
With core stabilization exercises, you work to maintain good posture and alignment through the trunk…
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
Trainers and coaches are fond of saying, “Engage your core.” It’s a nice simple ph…
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
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
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
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
There are plenty of reasons to try and improve your breathing – among other benefits, you̵…
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
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
Four more days for my Summer 2020 One-Minute Plank Challenge! Next week, we’ll start on a new …
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
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
So many plank variations, so little time. Ha. If you’re doing my one-minute plank challenge it…
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
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 position is a great workout for your abdominals. You can make it even better by …
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
This is a great exercise to target the obliques. Beginners should keep the movement small, gradually…
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
Here’s a deceptively easy core exercise that quickly becomes a great challenge for your core w…
Core: Bridge with Side Challenge
This is currently one of my current favorite core exercises. Here’s why I like it: It’s …