Spring is upon us, and soon we are going to hear the “summer body” workout plans, and everyone panicking about showing some skin on the beach. Nothing inspires confidence like a little advance preparation, but who has the time? And where should you start?
As we all know, it’s pretty damn hard, and borderline dangerous to abruptly step into a rigorous workout routine without establishing some basic training to get into it. It’s also hard to rationalize getting out of the bed when it’s cold and dark outside, but we all know it needs to get done, so I put together a plan that can help you ease into it with, let’s say, a “graduated
effort” protocol.
One of the things I try to focus on to get back into things, is core workouts, which are not only incredibly functional, but also help you to look great as you get in shape. Most of these you can do at home in 20 minutes or less, removing that excuse for those of us who have a hard time making it into the gym in the morning.
Here is a pretty routine, but very effective workout I do often, especially when pressed for time. Remember, abs have more fast twitch fibers than the rest of our muscles, so they need to be worked out more often than other muscles for appropriate training. It’s also a great workout
to do with a partner or friend, which makes you more likely to stick to your new routine.
I typically start with a little core specific stretching and static moves, then progress to more dynamic moves when more warmed up. The stretching you can do together, then alternate sets with each other as your workout progresses.
Stretching
I’m not a huge fan of complicated yoga poses, and I for the occasional yogi, it can be pretty humiliating and disheartening to attempt them. There are a few however, that are easy to perform, have a wide variety of benefits, and can help you perform your workout with less risk of injuring yourself. You can also do them at home, which is a great excuse to get your day started right.
Child and Cobra pose (10 of each, alternating)
These moves are very simple and relatively easy to do. They are also great openers to get you limber enough for the rest of the workout, and very unlikely to cause an injury before you are
warmed up.
Upward and Downward Dog (10 of each, alternating)
This simple set of moves opens up your spine and hip flexors, stretches out your abs, and is pretty easy to perform. They are one step up regarding movement from the child and cobra pose in terms of movement. Try and focus on slow deliberate movements, expanding range of motion with each cycle, and breathing.
Strengthening and Toning
Various Planks (1 minute x 3)
These are a little more intense, and utilize what is called an isometric muscular contraction to engage more core muscles, especially as you perfect your form. Isometric contractions are often neglected, but one of the most effective ways to enhance muscular strength and tone.
When you are strong enough to perform this move correctly for time (over 60 seconds), you can add on other variations, such as the side plank and isolate more muscle groups. Simple, but
VERY effective. I find doing these next to a mirror help a lot in terms of identifying flaws in form, which are very common and detrimental to the move being effective.
Crunches and Sit-Up Variations (at least 3 sets of 10 reps)
There is a tremendous amount of variability you can work into this set of exercises, including using an incline bench, or using a medicine ball for weight. Although many advocate limited motion and isolation on crunches, I’ve found that the vast majority of people - including myself - don’t have the advanced muscular control required to do isolation crunches effectively
enough to stimulate significant muscular failure. It’s NOT easy.
I’m more of a fan of larger movements using resistance, which take away the need for such perfect control, but utilize resistance or weight as another way to fatigue all of the muscles in the group. It’s much harder to cheat that way, and there is a hidden benefit of recruiting more of the often overlooked “supporting” muscles around which are also functional.
In general, you can utilize more isolation and use less weight, or less isolation, and more weight. I find for most of us, the latter situation is always easier.
On most of these exercises, if you don’t have weights, or an incline bench, grab your partner, spouse, or friend, and have them provide resistance for you. It’s an easy way to get them involved in your workout routine, and progress together.
