By Laurie B, Certified Personal Trainer
Whether you’re traveling for business or on a family holiday, it’s difficult sometimes to fit in a workout. But chances are you have 10 minutes everyday for a quick core workout that you can even do in your hotel room…or by the pool if you’re feeling brave!
Do each exercise at a slow tempo for 45 seconds. Repeat the Circuit.
Standing Superman makes a great warm up, improves balance and engages the core muscles. Remember not to hold your breath and turn your thumbs up. Alternate sides, increasing the time you can hold the position…it’s great in bare feet too.
Push ups are a super exercise. Any variation that is done in good form will do. Make sure your head is in alignment with your body. Start from your knees and progress to your toes, then add fun things like one leg or knee to shoulder. Exhale on the hard part.
Bicycle – Much research has been done about the excellent muscle recruitment in this exercise. The lower the straight leg the harder the exercise. My trick is to do these SLOWLY and aim the elbow for the outside of the knee.
Cobra – anyone for a little yoga? Try to keep your pelvis on the floor and only lift up as high as your back muscles will allow without pushing with your hands – use the hands for support only.
Side Plank. Start by holding your body from the elbow on each side working up to 20-30 seconds. To increase intensity add a little dip with your hip to the floor and back to straight body.
Laurie B is a BCRPA certified Trainer or Fitness Leaders and a Canfitpro Personal Training Specialist. She is also a fitness and wellness coordinator for Curtis Health.
