Hard. Core.

Hard. Core.

Everyone loves better-looking abs, and I love core workouts because they are the foundation of a healthy back, which leads to better workout performance whether you are also kickboxing, running, rowing or doing any other functional work.

Here is a move that I do every week, and I recommend it because you can adjust the level of intensity just by adding or increasing the weight. Lay on your back, feet on the floor, knees bent. Cross your left ankle over your right knee. Grab a weight with your left hand.

Put the weight on your right shoulder and continue to hold it in place with your left hand. Keep looking at the sky to lift the chin, and cross your right shoulder (and the weight) up towards your bent left knee. Repeat for 20 reps then switch sides. Do 3 sets for hard core obliques that chisel your waistline.

Trainer's Tip: be sure to keep your elbow out and away from the body. Do not try to cross the elbow to your knee, think of crossing the shoulder instead. This will make sure you don't drop the chin and stop you from misaligning neck. I am using 10lbs in this picture but you can chose lighter or heavier depending on your fitness level, and if you are new to working out, do this without a weight at first. Don't forget to do a lower back exercise as well. Visit my website mailing list for back exercises at www.nikkifitness.com.

Fitness - Fit it in!

Nikki
Crunch Manhattan Group Fitness Instructor/Personal Trainer

More from Nikki at www.nikkifitness.com:

- Military Wife Workout DVD
- NikkiBeachBride Destination Wedding Workout
- Nikki on YouTube

Nikki Fitness is a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, writer and publicist living in New York City. She started as a cheerleader at Syracuse University, but became certified in fitness before her beach wedding so that she could get back in shape. Laura, a graduate student, working mom, and military wife, inspired Nikki's Military Wife Workout (MWW) for all military wives. Find more articles by Nikki at her article archive. Learn more at www.nikkifitness.com. For more Nikki Fitness blogs, visit her blog archive.