Workouts for a stronger core! Core workout series by Shannon Michelle! Part 1
Working out your core is great for getting a slimmer waist line, but it's good for so much more; improving your posture, improving sports performance, relieving back pain and helping with breathing. This week's workout is by Shannon Michelle aka Caligirlgetsfit! Shannon's workout is an advanced workout focused on building a stronger, more sculpted core!
Firstly, an introduction to who you are and what you do.
Hi! I'm Shannon, also known as caligirlgetsfit. In addition to being a blogger, I am a marketing professional as well as a commercial actress and lifestyle model. While a lot of what I do for my job depends on outward appearances, I truly believe that health and beauty comes from within! I am all about promoting a balanced lifestyle through smart food choices and daily exercise.
Why you first get involved in fitness?
I have always been fairly healthy all my life but several years ago, my mom began having health problems due to too much sugar and fat in her diet and not enough exercise. After seeing her struggles, I wanted to become more knowledgeable about health and fitness not only to help her in her journey but to also help others in my community to live a healthier lifestyle. It was from that point my fitness journey started, and I began incorporating a consistent fitness and healthy eating plan into my daily routine.
Why you love living a healthy/active lifestyle and the benefits of doing so?
The benefits of living this lifestyle are endless. When you are healthy on the inside, it radiates on the outside, not only in appearances but in confidence! I have gained a lot of confidence from becoming strong enough to do things I previously thought were impossible. Fitness has helped me to realize that I can do anything that I put my mind to with enough hard work and dedication. This mantra has also helped me through other aspects of my life, including work and personal relationships! In addition, through fitness, I have met amazing people who are now some of my best friends. We thrive by supporting each other and lifting each other up to accomplish our goals.
What is the one piece of advice that you would give to encourage anyone to start/continue a healthy and active lifestyle?
My advice would be to love yourself enough to want to be your best! Your body will thank you; being healthy isn't about how you look, it's about making your overall life better. Physical activity and healthy eating adds years to your life and life to your years! It's always a good idea to think to the future. These years of living a healthy lifestyle will improve your quality of life and increase your lifespan, avoiding chronic illness and other types of health problems. Never give up; you can do anything you put your mind to, and if you are ever feeling discouraged, remember that you are doing all this for YOU because you DESERVE to be at your optimal health!
Regarding your workout, what is it fundamentally based around and what does it help to achieve/why should a workout of this sort be done and who will benefit from it?
I'm bringing new meaning to the term "HARD CORE!" I believe that it is so important to have a strong core because your core affects your entire body. Core training isn't just about getting six-pack abs. My core workouts work your entire body, including back, hips, and glutes. Whether doing daily activities, such as mopping the floor, or doing many sports, we all need stable core muscles for balance and stability. My core workouts help you achieve all of this to make you stronger and more balanced!
Now for part one of the workout!Workout #1 - Monday: Core Burn 1
A strong core is essential to overall health and strength. A strong core helps to stabilize the body and keep it in proper alignment with good posture. Here are some of my favorite core exercises to challenge yourself and get stronger.
Plank cross jacks
Description
- Assume a push-up position with your arms straight and your body in a straight line from your head to your ankles
- Bend your knees and jump to one side
- Then jump back out to a plank. Finally, bend your knees and jump to the opposite side then jump back out to a plank
- Repeat 20 repetitions
Mountain climbers
Description
- Assume a push-up position with your arms straight and your body in a straight line from your head to your ankles
- Without changing the posture of your lower back, raise your right knee toward your chest
- Pause, return to the starting position and repeat with your left leg
- That’s one rep. Alternate until you’ve completed all 20 repetitions
Side plank with leg lift
Description
- Lie on your right side with your legs straight
- Prop yourself up with your right forearm so your body forms a diagonal line
- Brace your abs and hold while lifting your left leg
- Repeat on other side, 20 repetitions each side
Plank Cross jacks with split jump
Description
- Assume a push-up position with your arms straight and your body in a straight line from your head to your ankles
- Bend your knees and jump to one side. Then jump back out to a plank
- With your body still in a straight line/plank position, jump with your legs more than shoulder distance apart, and then back to a regular plank
- Finally, bend your knees and jump to the opposite side, then jump back out to a plank. Repeat 20 times
Feel the burn and build a strong core!
Good luck with today's workout. On Wednesday we will be releasing part 2 of the core burn workout series! In the mean time go check out Shannon on social and her blog! We'll see you Wednesday, if you're up for the challenge.
