Planks are great, especially when performed to a Taylor Swift tune. But, you can't create a strong, firm core from planks alone—you need a toolbox of exercises to pull from.
One move to try is the V Prayer Reach from the team at The Barre Code fitness studios. The gentle move targets your ab muscles, specifically your rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis explains co-founders Ariana Chernin and Jillian Lorenz. And, like the plank, the exercise doesn't require any equipment or much space, so you can try it anywhere, anytime.
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Here's how to do it:
- Start lying on your back, and raise your legs straight into the air.
- Separate feet about 1 to 2 feet apart, creating a "V" shape with your legs.
- Keep your toes pointed.
- Place your hands in prayer position at the center of your chest.
- As you exhale, lift your head, shoulders and upper back off the floor.
- Straighten your arms, sending your hands between your legs. Be sure to keep your chin away from your chest and the shoulders away from the ears.
- Slowly lower, and do 3 sets of 15 reps.
Image Credit: The Barre Code
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