Busy Parent Fitness Challenge: Day 21 – Abs

My belly is actually shrinking guys! Is yours?? I haven’t been doing anything crazy in addition to this fitness challenge, just my usual walking/hiking/biking. It’s amazing what a bit of extra exercise can do.  We’re going to do planks and crunches today, so be sure to drink lots of water and walk around after your workout to avoid cramping and tightness in your belly. Gentle stretching will help too (try upward dog, child’s pose, or lying back over an exercise ball). Ready? Let’s do this!

Yoga Plank Pose

2) Criss Cross Crunches: Start in crunch starting position. Breathe out, draw your navel to spine, and lift your right elbow to your left knee while drawing your left knee in. Your other leg can float extended a few inches off the floor. Hold briefly, inhale while lowering down, then crunch again lifting your left elbow to right knee, with right leg extended and floating slightly off the floor. Do 30-40 (15-20 per side).

Right elbow to left knee

Left elbow to right knee

3) Plank: Start in pushup position, then lower down onto your forearms with elbows below shoulders and fists pointing straight ahead. Hold the position for 30-60 seconds. Do 3-5.

Plank

Are you feeling it? Keep doing it every few days. It will be worth it!