Buzz
One of my favorite moments of the Mytour fitness challenge so far was when we finally finished the plank challenge. I really can't stand planks. Fortunately, it’s possible to strengthen your core without doing a single plank.
Each week this month, we’ll introduce you to a few core exercises you might not have tried (or should revisit). This isn’t just about your abs: your core involves all the stabilizing muscles that aren’t part of your arms or legs. So yes, your abs, but also your back muscles, the muscles around your sides, and arguably some muscles in your shoulders and hips.
These exercises might feel a little odd, since your core’s main role is to stabilize your body when you're focused on something else. It keeps your torso upright when you're standing so you don't collapse like a jellyfish. It channels force from the ground, up your legs, to your fist when punching a bag. It enables your shoulders to generate power from your hips when swinging a baseball bat or paddling a kayak through water.
Here are a few underrated core exercises you can try right now:
Push-ups: Yes, a push-up is still a plank, but the fact that you're moving while doing it makes it a whole lot more exciting—about 900 percent more exciting.
Boat pose: This is the yoga posture where your bottom stays grounded while the rest of you is lifted. To make it harder, stretch out your arms and legs. To make it easier, keep your legs bent.
Ab wheel: The gadget that looks like a lot of fun... until you actually try it. Now's a perfect time to test it out. Just make sure you don’t land face-first. (Here’s a guide on how to avoid that.)
Give one of these a try, or choose another favorite! We’ll be back next week with more. And don't forget to tell me in the comments which underrated core exercises you love or absolutely can't stand. (Personally, I can’t stand any of them, but I'm open to suggestions.)
