Are you a dedicated runner looking to cut a little time off your average? Try these prevent exercises, two sets of 12 reps each:
Ball Crunch: Lie face up on a stability ball, knees bent 90 degrees, feet on floor. Put hands behind head with elbows out to sides and crunch up, then lower.
Hip Raise: Lie face up on floor with heels on ball, legs extended, arms by sides. Lift hips, forming a diagonal line from heels to shoulders. Hold for 1 count; lower.
Back Extension: Lie face down on ball, knees bent and feet on wall behind you, toes on floor. Bend elbows by sides, bringing fists in front of shoulders. Lift upper body; lower.
Arm/Leg Reach: Start on all fours. Slowly extend left arm and right leg at the same time until both are parallel to floor; hold for 1 second. Return to start. Switch sides and repeat to complete 1 rep.
Russian Twist: Lie face up on ball, knees bent, feet on floor. Extend arms toward ceiling and clasp hands. Keeping hips still, rotate upper body to right, then left, to complete 1 rep.
Re: Five abs exercises for runners
thanks.. they're all wonderful if you keep doing them.
Re: Five abs exercises for runners
have any of you ever tried the plank?! it's such a good core builder and also tones your arms and legs.. i'm assuming that all the pain it causes means it's working. :) here's how to do it:
"Lie face down on mat with elbows resting on floor next to chest. Push your body off the floor in a pushup position with body resting on elbows or hands. Contract the abs and keep the body in a straight line from head to toes. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat as many times as you can. For beginners, do this move on your knees and gradually work your way up to balancing on your toes."