Move It Monday: Functional Core Circuit

Good morning! Anyone dreading the first full week back to reality since the holiday season? Or are you choosing to live with joy? I hope it’s the latter and that’s what I’m personally aiming for. That includes joy in my workouts, even when I’m not running right now. Good thing that isn’t too hard to do since I love ALL forms of fitness. I still quite enjoyed my workouts this past week.

Monday 12/31: Hot Yoga Class

I’m sure that came as no surprise to you at all. It’s quickly become a staple in my weekly fitness and I can tell how much my body needs it right now. Fortunately, I can already feel better alignment and a lot greater flexibility with this regular practice. Hate that I have to miss it this morning!

Tuesday 1/1: Happy New Year Workout!

I went to the gym expecting to take a CXWorx class, but all classes were cancelled for the day. Somehow I had missed that memo. No worries. I made the most of it and threw together a 30 minute functional core circuit for myself to do. All by my lonesome. The gym was SO empty! I have the workout and details at the end of the post, so scroll on down if that is all you came to see.

I followed up my weights with 30 minutes on the stepmill, which left me drenched in sweat. I forgot how much that thing kills me! Talk about a great way to kick off the new year!

Wednesday 1/2: RPM Class

And the gym was STILL empty! That actually bums me out a bit. I want people aiming to do things for their health, even if it means a crowded gym. Perhaps I will get what I asked for when I go today. Better get there early to claim a spot in hot yoga.

Thursday 1/3: CXWorkx Class (30 min) + 30 min light on the elliptical

I took the LesMills CXWorx class for the first time last week and fell in love with it. The class focuses on the core (abdominals and lower back), hips, and glutes. In other words, many of the areas I need to work on for my muscular imbalances with running.

Friday 1/4: Rest Day!!!

Always have to have a day of recovery in there, right?

Saturday 1/5: Spin Again

Spin never gets old to me. Never. I’ve been doing it over 8 years and I still love it just as much as when I first started. Actually, probably more than when I first started. The LesMills RPM layout challenges me quite well, too, for the perfect cross training to maintain my cardiovascular strength.

Sunday 1/6: Another Rest Day

Now let’s get to that functional core workout I promised!

FUNCTIONAL CORE CIRCUIT

I completed 15 reps per side of each exercise in a circuit format. I could feel the booty and core burn by the end! Make sure to complete all these moves with the core drawn in tight and with proper form. Here’s a quick look at all of the moves:

• Reverse Lunge with Twist <— I did mine holding the ball. And please note proper form on this move – ONLY your upper body should twist back. Do not torque your knee out of alignment and only go as far as your upper body allows.
• Side Plank & Hip Abduction on Ball <— like in this video but I didn’t touch my hand down to the floor to hold more of a side plank. Also, please excuse the terrible music of this vide!
• Plank with Leg Lift on Ball
• One Legged Ball Squat
• Extension & Reach with Ball

Your Turn: Favorite workout of the past week? Ever use any of the above exercises?

Tagged as: abs, fitness, full body, lower body, strength training, weekly workouts

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