A couple of good exercises for strengthening your core region (abdominals, low back and obliques). These are challenging but great exercises. Practice at them. Notice there is Position I and Position II for each exercise title. This represents your starting position and your action position. They are not all in the right order, but for some reason, Typepad is not allowing me to control that. Click on the Photos for a larger image.
From Position I, take one knee and lift and move it towards the opposite elbow while remaining in plank position. Though not obvious in the picture, the leg you are lifting is in the air (not resting on the carpet as it looks in the photo). Switch legs and repeat 10 times each side.
Begin this exercise in plank position. Abs contracted, hips down and hands holding weights underneath your shoulders.
Hands are holding weights directly under shoulders. Abdominals are contracted and hips are down with back flat.
Lift your right leg and move it out to the side. Bring the leg back to center. Repeat on the left side. Perform 6 to 8 times per side.
Start with hands above your head holding a medium weight. One leg is straight and one is bent.
Bring weight over head and in front of you so that it meets the straight leg. You are simultaneously lifting your straight leg to meet the hand weight. Return to starting position and repeat 10 times each side. Remember to switch legs after each set.
Start in a Side Plank position with elbow bent, underneath the shoulder. Legs are straight and hips are raised off the ground to form a flat, declining plank. Arm is straight up to ceiling while your hand is holding a light to medium weight.
From Position I, bring the weight forward and under your body while rotating your torso. Bring the weight back up to starting position. Repeat 10-15 times each side.
