Encore Personal Training/LVAC member Warm-up or Daily HW.
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1 mile walk or run
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100 squats (body weight or heavy sets)
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100 push-ups (regular or modified)
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100 rows low or high (cable, barbell or dumbbell)
- 100 ab crunches (get fancy or basic)
September 17, 2012
May 26, 2012
Abdominal training
To intensify your abdominal training and avoid neck pain, try using a firm pillow behind your back. It’s an ideal way to support your back while focusing on small contractions to bring your chest toward your pelvis.
Sit on a level padded surface with a firm pillow placed behind your lower back. Bend your knees and place your feet on the floor, hip-width apart. Inhale to begin. On an exhalation, lean back slightly and press your navel toward your spine. Tuck your hips under and focus on pushing your abs firmly against the pillow. Stretch your arms forward, keeping your chest lifted and your abs contracted. Pause for two breaths.
Without releasing your abdominal contraction, inhale and slowly raise your arms until they are above your head. It’s very important to keep your navel pressed down toward the pillow and your toes pressed into the floor as you raise your arms. Pause in this position for a few seconds. Exhale and lower your arms to the start position. Repeat 12 to 15 times, then rest for 30 seconds. Do three sets.
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Source: LA Times Health
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March 29, 2012
Fitness Tips: Back stretch helps tighten abs
Back Stretch Helps Tighten Abs
When it comes to training your abdominal muscles, it’s good to introduce new moves into your routine so you continue to “surprise” your muscles. Otherwise there’s a tendency for them to go on autopilot and you won’t get the maximum benefit of your efforts.
Sit upright on a flat, padded surface or mat with a small inflatable ball or firm pillow behind your waist. Place your feet hip-width apart with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. To begin, place your left hand behind your head and your right hand behind your right thigh. On an exhalation, push your lower back against the ball and raise your right leg. Pause with your shin parallel to the ceiling.
Inhale as you roll back and extend your right leg. Remember to keep your abs contracted by pressing firmly against the ball or pillow. At first, just roll back halfway, and you don’t need to fully straighten your leg. Pause for 2 seconds, then exhale and roll back up to the start position. As you get stronger, place both hands behind your head and roll back a little more. Do 12 to 16 repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.
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