It’s the Holiday’s and traveling is among many, taking time to relax our minds and enjoy a break from the norm, but that doesn’t mean your health has to take a backseat. We often struggle to find the equipment we’d prefer, or perhaps you don’t have a comfortable surface for core work. Give your body a little break and time to rejuvenate too, but keep in mind some simple core exercises which you can perform from a standing position, giving you the freedom to do them anywhere you go.
Raise your right leg straight in front of you, pointing the toes to activate the quads. Turn your torso towards the lifted leg and come back to center. The modification for this movement is to keep your leg at a 90-degree angle instead of straight out.
Another effective movement for core strength and stability is called the “teaser”. Place your fingertips behind your knees and lift your chest, shoulders back, straight back. Lift your feet off the ground, and when you are comfortable, grab your ankles or calves and straighten your legs.
Hold that position for as long as you can. If you’d like to make it a little more challenging, stay in the teaser position but release your hands from behind your ankles and keep the arms raised. In a ticking motion, lower your arms and legs to extend your body to almost lie flat, and come back to the teaser. Perform this exercise 10 times.
Generally, ab work is done on the floor and can be intense and aggressive, but by incorporating standing exercises into your routine, you will not only continue to strengthen your core, but also improve your balance. Go ahead, take your time to relax and refuel, just don’t let traveling or lack of comfort be an excuse to neglect your exercise habits.
By Leslie Sosa
Pop Pilates Instructor