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30 Minute Core Workout For Great Abs

Planking is one of the best exercises that you can do, and there are many more benefits than you might first imagine. Let’s look at 3 great reasons why it makes sense for you to schedule some plank-time into your exercise routine.
Simply put, planking is one of the best ways to tone your core and get better looking, stronger, leaner abs! When you stabilize your body in a plank, you are engaging multiple levels of the abdominal muscles. Whether you add movement or not, a static plank forces your core muscles to act as stabilizers and consequently gives your entire abdominal region a great workout!
Planks can help prevent injury! Holding a plank is in essence practicing balance and stability. Your core is the center or your body, and when it is strong you are more able to make necessary adjustments in unstable circumstances. Think about something as simple as slipping on a banana peel or a wet floor. If you don’t have a strong core, there is a good chance that you will fall down and possibly hurt yourself. On the other hand, when your core is strong, you are able to recruit more muscles to help self-adjust and maintain more balance and control. This does not mean that you will never slip or get injured. It simply means that your chances of staying upright when you step on an unstable surface are greatly increased when your core is strong.
Finally, planks help promote good posture. Planking is virtually a full-body workout. When you hold the plank position correctly, you are not only engaging the abs but also the back, shoulders, neck, chest, hamstrings, glutes and even calves. That’s a lot of muscles! Planks force all of these muscles to work together as a functional movement to balance the body and therefore improve your posture. If you do planks regularly, you might even find your shoulders will carry less tension and your mood can even improve!
Try this great 30 minute plank workout 3-5 times a week. There is no equipment needed, just you and the floor, so you can do this workout anywhere – even while you are vacation!
PLANK
(Do each move for 1 minute, 20 seconds rest between each for a total of 3 rounds)
4. External Crunch: From plank position, raise right leg back parallel to ground, then crunch externally to bring right knee to meet your right elbow in a side crunch as you exhale. Return to plank & repeat with left leg. Continue alternating.
SIDE PLANK
(Do each move for 1 min, rest 20 seconds between each for a total of 2 rounds)
Always remember to consult with a professional before starting any exercise or nutrition program to ensure that you follow the best nutrition and exercise program for you.
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