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6 pack attack! Shred your entire core - upper abs, lower abs, obliques, transverse abdominis - with these moves. Build a well-rounded six-pack just using the floor. Flutter Kicks V-Sit In-and-Outs Dead Bugs Toe Touch Crunches Heel Taps Straight Leg Raises Pelvic Lifts

Jimmy Drew

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44,970 views • 1 month ago •via X (Twitter)

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The abs are treated like a special case for no good reason. Every other muscle in the body grows through progressive load. Add weight, hit the rep range, recover, repeat. Then we get to the abs and suddenly the protocol is bodyweight crunches, sit-ups, and leg raises. Sit-ups recruit the hip flexors more than the abs. Leg raises do the same. The exercises everyone does for a "core workout" are mostly working the muscles that pull the thigh towards the chest. Weighted cable crunches. 4 to 6 reps. Add a kilo a fortnight. Watch them grow like every other muscle. The rectus abdominis didn't evolve on a different planet.

The abs are treated like a special case for no good reason. Every other muscle in the body grows through progressive load. Add weight, hit the rep range, recover, repeat. Then we get to the abs and suddenly the protocol is bodyweight crunches, sit-ups, and leg raises. Sit-ups recruit the hip flexors more than the abs. Leg raises do the same. The exercises everyone does for a "core workout" are mostly working the muscles that pull the thigh towards the chest. Weighted cable crunches. 4 to 6 reps. Add a kilo a fortnight. Watch them grow like every other muscle. The rectus abdominis didn't evolve on a different planet.

Sama Hoole

20,550 views • 2 months ago

THE BEST EXERCISE FOR SIX-PACK ABS!? The Barbell Ab Rollout is my favorite abdominal exercise for several reasons. * Comprehensive Core Training: Unlike some other exercises that only target specific abdominal muscles, the barbell ab rollout is a comprehensive exercise that engages the entire core. It targets not only the rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscle) but also the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, and even the lower back muscles. * Customizable Intensity: You can easily adjust the difficulty of the exercise to match your fitness level. If you’re a beginner, you can start by rolling out a short distance. As you become stronger and more comfortable with the movement, you can increase the distance to make the exercise more challenging. Notice that I rollout so far that I touch the ground with my chest! * Requires Minimal Equipment: All you need is a barbell (or ab-wheel) and some space. * Provides a Full Body Workout: Even though it’s primarily an abdominal exercise, the ab rollout engages many other muscle groups as well. You’ll work your shoulders, chest, and arms to control the barbell, and your glutes and hamstrings to maintain stability.

THE BEST EXERCISE FOR SIX-PACK ABS!? The Barbell Ab Rollout is my favorite abdominal exercise for several reasons. * Comprehensive Core Training: Unlike some other exercises that only target specific abdominal muscles, the barbell ab rollout is a comprehensive exercise that engages the entire core. It targets not only the rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscle) but also the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, and even the lower back muscles. * Customizable Intensity: You can easily adjust the difficulty of the exercise to match your fitness level. If you’re a beginner, you can start by rolling out a short distance. As you become stronger and more comfortable with the movement, you can increase the distance to make the exercise more challenging. Notice that I rollout so far that I touch the ground with my chest! * Requires Minimal Equipment: All you need is a barbell (or ab-wheel) and some space. * Provides a Full Body Workout: Even though it’s primarily an abdominal exercise, the ab rollout engages many other muscle groups as well. You’ll work your shoulders, chest, and arms to control the barbell, and your glutes and hamstrings to maintain stability.

Marc Lobliner - IFBB Pro

59,933 views • 3 years ago

Ab training simplified to make them thicker. Thicker the abs, the more they’ll pop out even at a higher body fat. Train them 3-5x a week. Day 1: Do some variation of a weighted crunch. I’ll hold a 25 lb plate behind my head, elevate my feet on a bench, and focus on a good contraction with a pause at the top of every rep or do a cable crunch. This is going to primarily work your upper abs. Day 2: Do some sort of leg raise variation. I either do toes to bars or elbow/hanging supported leg raise holding a DB between my feet. This is going to primarily work your lower abs. Day 3: Do some sort of core bracing movement. I either do a weighted plank, ab wheel, or russian twist holding a medicine ball or DB. This is going to primarily work your obliques. Day 4/5: Either a mixture of all 3 above or hammer whatever I feel is a weakness. Using this method over the years is how I’ve built a strong core along with thickening up my abs. Diet is going to reveal the abs. Training them with weights are what’s going to grow them and get them to pop more just like any other muscle.

Ab training simplified to make them thicker. Thicker the abs, the more they’ll pop out even at a higher body fat. Train them 3-5x a week. Day 1: Do some variation of a weighted crunch. I’ll hold a 25 lb plate behind my head, elevate my feet on a bench, and focus on a good contraction with a pause at the top of every rep or do a cable crunch. This is going to primarily work your upper abs. Day 2: Do some sort of leg raise variation. I either do toes to bars or elbow/hanging supported leg raise holding a DB between my feet. This is going to primarily work your lower abs. Day 3: Do some sort of core bracing movement. I either do a weighted plank, ab wheel, or russian twist holding a medicine ball or DB. This is going to primarily work your obliques. Day 4/5: Either a mixture of all 3 above or hammer whatever I feel is a weakness. Using this method over the years is how I’ve built a strong core along with thickening up my abs. Diet is going to reveal the abs. Training them with weights are what’s going to grow them and get them to pop more just like any other muscle.

Bailey Schober | Men’s Fitness & Nutrition Coach

13,195 views • 1 year ago

Everyone wants six-pack abs. Nobody talks about the muscles underneath them. I’ve spent my career helping people get stronger, healthier, and more confident. One thing I’ve learned? Real strength isn’t just about the muscles you can see—it’s about building a body that functions better. Your pelvic floor is one of the most important muscle groups you have, yet it’s not something you can strengthen through exercise alone. After years of injuries, I’ve learned that sometimes the smartest thing you can do is support your body in different ways. That’s what intrigued me about Emsculpt Neo and Emsella. They’re not a replacement for exercise—they’re tools that can complement an active lifestyle by helping support strength from your core to your pelvic floor. The stronger your foundation, the stronger everything else becomes. @emsculptneo @emsellabybtl BTL Aesthetics Int. #emsculptpartner #coretofloor

Everyone wants six-pack abs. Nobody talks about the muscles underneath them. I’ve spent my career helping people get stronger, healthier, and more confident. One thing I’ve learned? Real strength isn’t just about the muscles you can see—it’s about building a body that functions better. Your pelvic floor is one of the most important muscle groups you have, yet it’s not something you can strengthen through exercise alone. After years of injuries, I’ve learned that sometimes the smartest thing you can do is support your body in different ways. That’s what intrigued me about Emsculpt Neo and Emsella. They’re not a replacement for exercise—they’re tools that can complement an active lifestyle by helping support strength from your core to your pelvic floor. The stronger your foundation, the stronger everything else becomes. @emsculptneo @emsellabybtl BTL Aesthetics Int. #emsculptpartner #coretofloor

Jillian Michaels

30,936 views • 18 days ago

🔥 90-DAY ABS CHALLENGE 🔥 Don’t knock it until you try it! 💪🏾 Having abs changed my life. It helped build my confidence, but it also taught me DISCIPLINE. 🧠💯 Getting abs meant learning how to eat right 🥗 and making sacrifices. Sometimes that means cutting back on the liquor 🍾, ice cream 🍦, candy 🍬, and other things you love. You don’t have to be perfect — MODERATION & DISCERNMENT! ‼️‼️‼️ 🏋🏾‍♂️ MY 90-DAY AB ROUTINE — IN ORDER: 1️⃣ Supported Crunches — 50 reps 2️⃣ Leg Raises — 25 reps 3️⃣ Oblique Crunches — 25 each side 4️⃣ Basic Crunches — 25 reps 5️⃣ Russian Twists — 50 each side 6️⃣ Obliques — other side 7️⃣ Dragon Flags — 25 reps 8️⃣ Body Holds — 3 sets × 30 seconds ⏱️ 9️⃣ Reverse Crunches — 25 reps 🔟 Planks — 3 sets × 30 seconds 🥵 🚨 THE FORMULA: 🏋🏾‍♂️ Train 3–6 days a week ⏱️ Workout 30–60 minutes 🥗 WATCH THAT DIET 💧 Stay hydrated 😴 Get your rest 📈 Stay CONSISTENT Give yourself 90 DAYS of discipline and consistency and track your progress along the way. 📸💪🏾 Most importantly… BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! 🖤 You are ONE IN A MILLION. 💎🖤 #90DayAbs #AbsChallenge #JusGetRight #FitnessJourney #CoreWorkout #Discipline #Consistency #HealthyLifestyle #BelieveInYourself #NoExcuses 💪🏾🔥

🔥 90-DAY ABS CHALLENGE 🔥 Don’t knock it until you try it! 💪🏾 Having abs changed my life. It helped build my confidence, but it also taught me DISCIPLINE. 🧠💯 Getting abs meant learning how to eat right 🥗 and making sacrifices. Sometimes that means cutting back on the liquor 🍾, ice cream 🍦, candy 🍬, and other things you love. You don’t have to be perfect — MODERATION & DISCERNMENT! ‼️‼️‼️ 🏋🏾‍♂️ MY 90-DAY AB ROUTINE — IN ORDER: 1️⃣ Supported Crunches — 50 reps 2️⃣ Leg Raises — 25 reps 3️⃣ Oblique Crunches — 25 each side 4️⃣ Basic Crunches — 25 reps 5️⃣ Russian Twists — 50 each side 6️⃣ Obliques — other side 7️⃣ Dragon Flags — 25 reps 8️⃣ Body Holds — 3 sets × 30 seconds ⏱️ 9️⃣ Reverse Crunches — 25 reps 🔟 Planks — 3 sets × 30 seconds 🥵 🚨 THE FORMULA: 🏋🏾‍♂️ Train 3–6 days a week ⏱️ Workout 30–60 minutes 🥗 WATCH THAT DIET 💧 Stay hydrated 😴 Get your rest 📈 Stay CONSISTENT Give yourself 90 DAYS of discipline and consistency and track your progress along the way. 📸💪🏾 Most importantly… BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! 🖤 You are ONE IN A MILLION. 💎🖤 #90DayAbs #AbsChallenge #JusGetRight #FitnessJourney #CoreWorkout #Discipline #Consistency #HealthyLifestyle #BelieveInYourself #NoExcuses 💪🏾🔥

King🖤

37,135 views • 20 days ago

The single-leg RDL is a seriously underrated exercise for single-leg strength, hamstring resilience, and real hip stability. But it also humbles you. If your balance falls apart the moment you send your hips back, the issue is not balance. It means your glutes and hamstrings aren't controlling the hip, so your body goes looking for stability everywhere else. That’s why you wobble. Focus on these: - Tripod foot. Weight spread across big toe, little toe, and heel. Steady base, steady everything above it. - Slight, fixed knee bend. A small bend in the standing knee, held the whole rep. Hinge, not squat. - Straight rear leg. Keep it long and in line with your torso so it moves as one with you. - Level pelvis. Both hip bones facing the floor. Let it rotate open and your glute medius quits. Drive the hip straight back, feel the hamstring lengthen and take the load, then stand tall. If you get that right, the balance will be sorted.

The single-leg RDL is a seriously underrated exercise for single-leg strength, hamstring resilience, and real hip stability. But it also humbles you. If your balance falls apart the moment you send your hips back, the issue is not balance. It means your glutes and hamstrings aren't controlling the hip, so your body goes looking for stability everywhere else. That’s why you wobble. Focus on these: - Tripod foot. Weight spread across big toe, little toe, and heel. Steady base, steady everything above it. - Slight, fixed knee bend. A small bend in the standing knee, held the whole rep. Hinge, not squat. - Straight rear leg. Keep it long and in line with your torso so it moves as one with you. - Level pelvis. Both hip bones facing the floor. Let it rotate open and your glute medius quits. Drive the hip straight back, feel the hamstring lengthen and take the load, then stand tall. If you get that right, the balance will be sorted.

Dr Neha Chawla || FreeGym

39,271 views • 1 month ago

Great stretch for people who sit at desks. It’s called a Cossack Squat. This works your adductor muscles, which are one of the largest muscles in your legs, but due to long periods of sitting, they can become tight and inflexible. The Cossack Squat restores and improves your lower body's range of motion while developing mobility in your hips, knees, hamstrings, and ankles. It also helps you build resilient joints and soft tissues, squat deeper, and stay protected while running and jumping. Here's how to do them: 1. Start in a wide stance using support if needed. 2. Shift your weight to the right leg & sit back as far as you can. 3. Keep the left leg extended as you rotate your toes up. 4. Keep your right heel on the floor and torso upright. 5. Pause, then push back to the wide-legged starting position. 6. Do the same on the next side. Do this for 6-12 reps each side. Your hips and groin will thank you 🙏🏼

Great stretch for people who sit at desks. It’s called a Cossack Squat. This works your adductor muscles, which are one of the largest muscles in your legs, but due to long periods of sitting, they can become tight and inflexible. The Cossack Squat restores and improves your lower body's range of motion while developing mobility in your hips, knees, hamstrings, and ankles. It also helps you build resilient joints and soft tissues, squat deeper, and stay protected while running and jumping. Here's how to do them: 1. Start in a wide stance using support if needed. 2. Shift your weight to the right leg & sit back as far as you can. 3. Keep the left leg extended as you rotate your toes up. 4. Keep your right heel on the floor and torso upright. 5. Pause, then push back to the wide-legged starting position. 6. Do the same on the next side. Do this for 6-12 reps each side. Your hips and groin will thank you 🙏🏼

Dan Go

62,807 views • 2 months ago

This stretch should be mandatory for people who sit at desks. It's called a T-Spine Extension. As we get older or if we sit for long periods of time our thoracic spine becomes less mobile. This can cause neck, shoulder, and lower back pain as well as a hunched over croissant type of posture with the body. The T-spine extension helps you stretch your lats and upper back to reverse age or sitting related mobility issues. How to do it: 1. Make sure you're in full elbow flexion in the bottom position. 2. Make a double chin so that you don't drift into forward head posture. 3. As you rock back, brace your core and focus on extending through the upper back and flexing through the shoulders, rather than just arching the lower back. Do this for 6-12 reps daily. Your back will thank you.

This stretch should be mandatory for people who sit at desks. It's called a T-Spine Extension. As we get older or if we sit for long periods of time our thoracic spine becomes less mobile. This can cause neck, shoulder, and lower back pain as well as a hunched over croissant type of posture with the body. The T-spine extension helps you stretch your lats and upper back to reverse age or sitting related mobility issues. How to do it: 1. Make sure you're in full elbow flexion in the bottom position. 2. Make a double chin so that you don't drift into forward head posture. 3. As you rock back, brace your core and focus on extending through the upper back and flexing through the shoulders, rather than just arching the lower back. Do this for 6-12 reps daily. Your back will thank you.

Dan Go

694,246 views • 3 years ago

People today walk around with the stiffest hips, and the implications are disastrous. You set yourself up for chronic pain and bad posture for the rest of your life. Take control now before it's too late. These 10 stretches will free your hips from their misery: The best time to do these stretches is before bed, as you unload all the tension accumulated throughout the day and achieve a deeper sleep. 1 - Half Frog Stretch (0:06) 3 x 30-60s/side This one is excellent for your inner thighs and hip flexors. You also stretch your abdominals. 2 - Seated Crossed Leg Reach Forward Stretch (0:14) 3 x 30-60s This stretch also hits the lats that sit right above your hips. Some of you may be unable to reach forward with your legs crossed. The first milestone is to touch the floor with your hands and then slide them forward. 3 - Seated Pigeon Stretch (0:23) 3 x 30-60s/leg Today, one of my clients felt a massive pull just by crossing his leg and pushing down. Forget leaning forward! The goal is to bring your chest down to your leg while keeping your back straight. Push your hips back toward the wall behind you to lower your torso. 4 - Seated Glute Strech (0:32) 3 x 30-60s/leg The difference between this stretch and the Seated Pigeon is that you curl your upper back to lower your head to your leg. 5 - Lying Glute Stretch (0:43) 3 x 30-60s/leg Lying on your back with one leg crossed. Pull the other leg toward your chest and hold. 6 - Pigeon Stretch (0:52) 3 x 30-60s/leg This stretch never fails to open my clients' hips, though many will feel enough of a pull by simply crossing one leg. The goal is to reach forward and lower your torso parallel to the floor. 7 - Glute Bridge with External Rotation (1:00) 3 x 10-12/leg This one is great because you strengthen one leg and stretch the other. Due to a lack of strength or mobility, you might have to rotate with a bent leg before moving onto a straightened one. 8 - Frog Stretch (1:05) 3 x 30-60s The frog stretch is amazing for your inner thigh muscles. Start kneeling with your elbows on the floor and your feet pointing outward. Slide backward and hold. 9 - Crossed-Leg Glute Bridge (1:14) 3 x 30-60s/leg Here is another Glute Bridge variation where you strengthen one leg and stretch the other. You feel the hip opening up at the top, so hold it there and rotate your knee away from your body to increase the pull. 10 - V Stretch (1:23) 3 x 30-60s You can do this stretch with your legs up in the air or against a wall. // Start taking care of your hips now before they turn into stone. Reversing the stiffness becomes much more painful and takes much longer if you let it fester over the years. You'll feel much more relaxed and move smoother once you eliminate all the excess pressure.

People today walk around with the stiffest hips, and the implications are disastrous. You set yourself up for chronic pain and bad posture for the rest of your life. Take control now before it's too late. These 10 stretches will free your hips from their misery: The best time to do these stretches is before bed, as you unload all the tension accumulated throughout the day and achieve a deeper sleep. 1 - Half Frog Stretch (0:06) 3 x 30-60s/side This one is excellent for your inner thighs and hip flexors. You also stretch your abdominals. 2 - Seated Crossed Leg Reach Forward Stretch (0:14) 3 x 30-60s This stretch also hits the lats that sit right above your hips. Some of you may be unable to reach forward with your legs crossed. The first milestone is to touch the floor with your hands and then slide them forward. 3 - Seated Pigeon Stretch (0:23) 3 x 30-60s/leg Today, one of my clients felt a massive pull just by crossing his leg and pushing down. Forget leaning forward! The goal is to bring your chest down to your leg while keeping your back straight. Push your hips back toward the wall behind you to lower your torso. 4 - Seated Glute Strech (0:32) 3 x 30-60s/leg The difference between this stretch and the Seated Pigeon is that you curl your upper back to lower your head to your leg. 5 - Lying Glute Stretch (0:43) 3 x 30-60s/leg Lying on your back with one leg crossed. Pull the other leg toward your chest and hold. 6 - Pigeon Stretch (0:52) 3 x 30-60s/leg This stretch never fails to open my clients' hips, though many will feel enough of a pull by simply crossing one leg. The goal is to reach forward and lower your torso parallel to the floor. 7 - Glute Bridge with External Rotation (1:00) 3 x 10-12/leg This one is great because you strengthen one leg and stretch the other. Due to a lack of strength or mobility, you might have to rotate with a bent leg before moving onto a straightened one. 8 - Frog Stretch (1:05) 3 x 30-60s The frog stretch is amazing for your inner thigh muscles. Start kneeling with your elbows on the floor and your feet pointing outward. Slide backward and hold. 9 - Crossed-Leg Glute Bridge (1:14) 3 x 30-60s/leg Here is another Glute Bridge variation where you strengthen one leg and stretch the other. You feel the hip opening up at the top, so hold it there and rotate your knee away from your body to increase the pull. 10 - V Stretch (1:23) 3 x 30-60s You can do this stretch with your legs up in the air or against a wall. // Start taking care of your hips now before they turn into stone. Reversing the stiffness becomes much more painful and takes much longer if you let it fester over the years. You'll feel much more relaxed and move smoother once you eliminate all the excess pressure.

Alex Bernier

413,273 views • 2 years ago

Hip mobility is essential for healthy and pain-free movement. And it might even predict how long you'll live. What does that look like? According to Dr. Kelly Starrett (Kelly Starrett), you should be able to squat with your hip crease below your knee, stand on one leg and pull the other knee up past 90 degrees, and lower yourself to the floor and stand back up without using your hands or dropping a knee. These are just basic signs that your hips, balance, coordination, and strength are in a pretty good place. Lower sit-and-rise scores have been associated with substantially higher all-cause mortality. This means basic movement capacity tells you a lot. If getting down to the floor and back up feels hard, or you can’t hit a simple squat position, it's probably a sign you’re missing some combination of hip function, strength, balance, or coordination. Kelly outlines these and other essential mobility assessments in the latest episode of the FoundMyFitness podcast. See below for links.

Hip mobility is essential for healthy and pain-free movement. And it might even predict how long you'll live. What does that look like? According to Dr. Kelly Starrett (Kelly Starrett), you should be able to squat with your hip crease below your knee, stand on one leg and pull the other knee up past 90 degrees, and lower yourself to the floor and stand back up without using your hands or dropping a knee. These are just basic signs that your hips, balance, coordination, and strength are in a pretty good place. Lower sit-and-rise scores have been associated with substantially higher all-cause mortality. This means basic movement capacity tells you a lot. If getting down to the floor and back up feels hard, or you can’t hit a simple squat position, it's probably a sign you’re missing some combination of hip function, strength, balance, or coordination. Kelly outlines these and other essential mobility assessments in the latest episode of the FoundMyFitness podcast. See below for links.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

87,001 views • 3 months ago

This exercise should be mandatory for desk workers: They’re called Ankle Mobs and almost no one is doing them. Sitting can quietly destroy ankle dorsiflexion and inhibits the knee from going past the toe. When an ankle is stiff, it works around it: -Heels lift off the floor when you squat. -Knee caves inward on the way down. -Low back rounds at the bottom. -Arch collapses to steal a few degrees. -Hip works overtime covering for a joint that quit. You feel it in the knee. You feel it in the back. You blame the knee and the back, but the restriction is 12 inches lower. Do this 30 second test: Put your toe about four inches from a wall. Drive your knee straight forward toward the wall. Keep your heel flat on the floor the entire time. If the heel lifts before your knee touches, or the knee drifts inward to reach it, that's your answer. Check both sides. Most people are noticeably worse on one. That's what I'm doing in this video. Foot flat on the platform, knee driving as far past the toes as it will go, heel stays down, then let it come back. 6 reps a side. Slow. You're not stretching a muscle. You're asking a joint to move through a range it forgot it had, under a little load, so the nervous system stops guarding it. Do 30 seconds a day on both ankles and you never know, you might change your life.

This exercise should be mandatory for desk workers: They’re called Ankle Mobs and almost no one is doing them. Sitting can quietly destroy ankle dorsiflexion and inhibits the knee from going past the toe. When an ankle is stiff, it works around it: -Heels lift off the floor when you squat. -Knee caves inward on the way down. -Low back rounds at the bottom. -Arch collapses to steal a few degrees. -Hip works overtime covering for a joint that quit. You feel it in the knee. You feel it in the back. You blame the knee and the back, but the restriction is 12 inches lower. Do this 30 second test: Put your toe about four inches from a wall. Drive your knee straight forward toward the wall. Keep your heel flat on the floor the entire time. If the heel lifts before your knee touches, or the knee drifts inward to reach it, that's your answer. Check both sides. Most people are noticeably worse on one. That's what I'm doing in this video. Foot flat on the platform, knee driving as far past the toes as it will go, heel stays down, then let it come back. 6 reps a side. Slow. You're not stretching a muscle. You're asking a joint to move through a range it forgot it had, under a little load, so the nervous system stops guarding it. Do 30 seconds a day on both ankles and you never know, you might change your life.

Dan Go

80,055 views • 15 days ago

People with weak cores struggle to stabilize their bodies when they walk. Every step you take sends a little punch up your leg into your hip and lower back. Planks with one or more support points removed to expose this weakness. Use these 12 exercises to strengthen your core: 1 - Bird-Dog (0:06) 3 x 10/side Beginners start with this exercise because removing two support points with your knees on the floor is easier. The goal is to straighten the opposing arm and leg. A client wobbled when she removed her two support points today, which humbled her. 2 - Front Plank with Leg Lift, Elbows (0:15) 3 x 10/side The second plank involves lifting one leg at a time. Being on your elbows is easier than your straightened arms, so I'll first have people familiarize themselves with this position. Lift your leg as high as you can without swinging too much. Hold at the top for a few seconds to increase the burn. 3 - Front Plank with Arm/Leg Lift, Elbows (0:20) 3 x 10 The third plank resembles the Bird Dog, except your knees are off the floor. Straighten the opposite arm and leg at the same time, and hold. You might struggle to reach a full lengthening, so do your best and practice. Removing one hand off the floor also strengthens your shoulder blade muscles. 4 - Front Rotation Plank, Elbows (0:28) 3 x 10/side The fourth plank engages different abdominal muscles with the rotation. Your arms should point toward the ceiling, something beginners might initially struggle with. 5 - Push-Up Plank (0:34) 3 x 10 The fifth plank is excellent for building upper body strength at home. You are bound to break a sweat and work your chest and triceps. I've had many clients struggle to do more than one rep. 6 - Spider Plank, Elbows (1:01) 3 x 10/side The sixth plank improves your hip mobility as well. You want to open the leg and bring your knee to hip level while keeping in the air. 7 - Lateral Raise Plank (1:09) 3 x 10-20/side The seventh plank is done in a push-up position with your arms straight. There is now more weight on your arms, making it harder to stabilize when you remove a support point. My client tried this variation and had to regress to the Bird Dog because she couldn't support herself. Work your way up to 20 reps/side for extra posture gains. 8 - Toe Taps, Straight Arms (1:22) 3 x 10/side The eight plank has you lifting one leg toward one side and touching the floor with your toes. The contact is brief - You're tapping, not resting. 9 - Mountain Climbers with Twist (1:29) 3 x 10/side The ninth plank is a twist on the classic mountain climbers exercise. You lift one leg and bring it toward the opposite elbow, then repeat on the other side. Increase the speed to add a cardio component, but ensure you can first go through the full range of motion. 10 - Arm/Leg Lift Plank, Straight Arms (1:42) 3 x 10 The tenth plank is the final evolution of the Bird Dog in this series. Straighten your opposite arm and leg, and hold for a few seconds to increase the burn. You can also hold the lengthened position for an extended period, like 30 to 60 seconds. 11 - Plank Jacks (1:54) 3 x 30-60s The eleventh plank is a variation of the classic Jumping Jack. This dynamic exercise adds a cardio component to your core workout. Shuffle both feet toward the side, then jump back to the starting position, Ensure you keep your hips aligned with your head and shoulders. You want to avoid your lower back crashing below them and potentially hurting yourself. 12 - Knee to Elbow Plank, Straight Arms (2:01) 3 x 10/side This series's twelfth and final plank requires the most stability and mobility. Most people are unable to reach their knee to the elbow. Enjoy practicing this one; you will feel stronger after three full sets. // Planks with one or more support points removed are excellent for building a more stable posture when you move. They can be done anywhere with enough space. Progress through the twelve variations in this series and watch how your core strength improves. Enjoy!

People with weak cores struggle to stabilize their bodies when they walk. Every step you take sends a little punch up your leg into your hip and lower back. Planks with one or more support points removed to expose this weakness. Use these 12 exercises to strengthen your core: 1 - Bird-Dog (0:06) 3 x 10/side Beginners start with this exercise because removing two support points with your knees on the floor is easier. The goal is to straighten the opposing arm and leg. A client wobbled when she removed her two support points today, which humbled her. 2 - Front Plank with Leg Lift, Elbows (0:15) 3 x 10/side The second plank involves lifting one leg at a time. Being on your elbows is easier than your straightened arms, so I'll first have people familiarize themselves with this position. Lift your leg as high as you can without swinging too much. Hold at the top for a few seconds to increase the burn. 3 - Front Plank with Arm/Leg Lift, Elbows (0:20) 3 x 10 The third plank resembles the Bird Dog, except your knees are off the floor. Straighten the opposite arm and leg at the same time, and hold. You might struggle to reach a full lengthening, so do your best and practice. Removing one hand off the floor also strengthens your shoulder blade muscles. 4 - Front Rotation Plank, Elbows (0:28) 3 x 10/side The fourth plank engages different abdominal muscles with the rotation. Your arms should point toward the ceiling, something beginners might initially struggle with. 5 - Push-Up Plank (0:34) 3 x 10 The fifth plank is excellent for building upper body strength at home. You are bound to break a sweat and work your chest and triceps. I've had many clients struggle to do more than one rep. 6 - Spider Plank, Elbows (1:01) 3 x 10/side The sixth plank improves your hip mobility as well. You want to open the leg and bring your knee to hip level while keeping in the air. 7 - Lateral Raise Plank (1:09) 3 x 10-20/side The seventh plank is done in a push-up position with your arms straight. There is now more weight on your arms, making it harder to stabilize when you remove a support point. My client tried this variation and had to regress to the Bird Dog because she couldn't support herself. Work your way up to 20 reps/side for extra posture gains. 8 - Toe Taps, Straight Arms (1:22) 3 x 10/side The eight plank has you lifting one leg toward one side and touching the floor with your toes. The contact is brief - You're tapping, not resting. 9 - Mountain Climbers with Twist (1:29) 3 x 10/side The ninth plank is a twist on the classic mountain climbers exercise. You lift one leg and bring it toward the opposite elbow, then repeat on the other side. Increase the speed to add a cardio component, but ensure you can first go through the full range of motion. 10 - Arm/Leg Lift Plank, Straight Arms (1:42) 3 x 10 The tenth plank is the final evolution of the Bird Dog in this series. Straighten your opposite arm and leg, and hold for a few seconds to increase the burn. You can also hold the lengthened position for an extended period, like 30 to 60 seconds. 11 - Plank Jacks (1:54) 3 x 30-60s The eleventh plank is a variation of the classic Jumping Jack. This dynamic exercise adds a cardio component to your core workout. Shuffle both feet toward the side, then jump back to the starting position, Ensure you keep your hips aligned with your head and shoulders. You want to avoid your lower back crashing below them and potentially hurting yourself. 12 - Knee to Elbow Plank, Straight Arms (2:01) 3 x 10/side This series's twelfth and final plank requires the most stability and mobility. Most people are unable to reach their knee to the elbow. Enjoy practicing this one; you will feel stronger after three full sets. // Planks with one or more support points removed are excellent for building a more stable posture when you move. They can be done anywhere with enough space. Progress through the twelve variations in this series and watch how your core strength improves. Enjoy!

Alex Bernier

351,097 views • 2 years ago

These quick workouts are for people who want to improve their postures. The exercises target the weakened foundations pulling your body out of alignment. The sessions are short yet effective. Use the workouts to raise yourself to the next level before the new year starts. Instructions: - Do the exercises as a circuit, or one at a time if you find the circuit format too challenging. - Repeat the circuit or each exercise 3 to 4 times. - The sessions are light enough that you can done daily. Follow the sequence from Day 1 to Day 7 in order. - Ideally done at the start of your day or at the end. Day 1: Kneeling T-Spine Stretch (0:06) [ 10 reps/side ] - Start: Kneeling, one hand on the floor. - Slide your straight arm under your torso. - Reach as far forward as possible. - Keep your hips squared throughout the motion. Kneeling T-Spine Rotation (0:12) [10 reps/side] - Start: Kneeling, one hand on the floor, the other behind your head. - Rotate inward to point your elbow toward the floor. - Rotate outward to point your elbow toward the ceiling. - You may not have the mobility to go all the way up. Stop when you reach your max, and do not force it. Supine Around The World (0:18) [10-20 reps/side] - Start: Lying on your back, arms by your sides, palms toward the ceiling. - Rotate your arms back to have your hands pointing behind you. Day 2 Side-Lying Quad Stretch (0:27) [30-60 seconds/leg] - Start: Lying on your side, legs stacked. - Grab your ankle and pull your foot toward you. - Use a towel or elastic band if you cannot reach your ankle. Hip Bridge, Feet on Bench (0:37) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top of each rep] - Start: Lying on your back, feet on an elevated surface like a bench, couch, or chair. - Lift your hips off the floor to align your upper and lower bodies. - Adapt: If you cannot lift all the way, do the same exercise with your feet on the floor. - Adapt: If this variation is too easy, do one leg at a time. Dynamic Hip Extension Plank (0:49) [ 10-20 reps/leg] - Start: Push-up position. - Lift one leg as high as possible, keeping it straight. - Alternate legs. - Adapt: Rest on your forearms if you struggle to hold the push-up position. Day 3 Sky Reach (1:04) [10 reps/side] - Start: Deep Squat position - Rotate one arm to have your hand pointing toward the ceiling or as close as you can reach. - Do not force the range of motion if you block before that. - Alternate arms. - Adapt: Kneeling variation. Side-Lying External Rotation (1:21) [10 reps/arm] - Start: Lying on your side, one hand supports your head, and the other holds a dumbbell or any weighted object if you lack equipment. - Rotate the weight directly above your body while keeping your arm locked to your torso. Bent-Over Reverse Flys (1:28) [20 reps] Start: Bend forward, arms hanging down. Ensure your back is straight and your hips are held high. Lift your arms to shoulder level and keep them straight. Adapt: Add weights if bodyweight is too easy. Day 4 Deep Squat (1:36) [10 reps] - Start: Feet slightly wider than hips apart. Inhale first, then hold it in. - Lead the motion by sliding your knees forward and letting your hips naturally fold. - Go as low as your body allows, then push back up. - Exhale on the way up. - Adapt: Hold onto something stable to help you go lower. Hip Thrust (1:44) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top of each rep] - Start: Both feet on the ground, shoulders on the edge of a bench or couch, hips down. - Lift your hips to align your lower and upper bodies, and hold. Side Bridge (1:57) [10 reps/side] - Start: Side Plank position, legs stacked. - Lift your hips off the floor and hold when you reach the top. - Ensure your head stays aligned with your shoulders and hips. Avoid bending it forward to make the motion easier. - Adapt: Bend the lower leg. Day 5 Wall Slides (2:23) [10 reps] - Start: Stand in front of a wall with your forearms and hands flat behind you. - Be as close as you can to the wall, but you can take a few steps forward if you lack the mobility to keep your arms flat. - Straighten your arms while keeping them flat against the wall. Y-Raises (2:29) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top] - Start: Lying on your stomach, arms in a Y position, thumbs toward the ceiling. - Lift your thumbs toward the ceiling and hold. - Lower back to the floor. T-Raises (2:41) [10 reps with a 3-second hold at the top] - Start: Lying on your stomach, arms in a T position, thumbs toward the ceiling. - Lift your arms toward the ceiling and hold. - Lower back to the floor. Day 6 Seated Toe Pointing (2:56) [10 reps] - Start: Sitting on the floor with your legs ahead of you, feet together. - Point your toes forward. - Point them toward you. Seated Ankle Rotations (3:02) [10 reps] - Start: Sitting on the floor with your legs ahead of you, feet apart. - Rotate your feet like a windshield wiper, going as deep as possible on either side. Reverse Plank (3:09) [Hold for 30-60 seconds] - Start: Ball of the feet on a step, heels hanging. You may hold on to a ramp or wall for added support. - Lower your heels as low as possible and hold at the bottom. - Lift your heels as high as possible. Day 7 Unilateral Chest Stretch (3:21) [30-60 seconds/arm] - Start: Place your hand flat against the wall at shoulder level. - Rotate your body in the opposite direction and hold. - Placing your hand higher than shoulder level increases the stretch. Cat-Cow Stretch (3:31) [10 reps] - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Round your lower back like a cat (pulling it toward the ceiling) and hold. - Push it down as much as possible and hold. Wide Leg Adductor Stretch (3:38) [30-60 seconds] - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs as wide as possible, hands right in front of you. - Hold the position. // Start your New Year's resolutions with these quick posture workouts. You'll build up the foundations needed to withstand 2024 and crush your goals. Have an excellent weekend!

These quick workouts are for people who want to improve their postures. The exercises target the weakened foundations pulling your body out of alignment. The sessions are short yet effective. Use the workouts to raise yourself to the next level before the new year starts. Instructions: - Do the exercises as a circuit, or one at a time if you find the circuit format too challenging. - Repeat the circuit or each exercise 3 to 4 times. - The sessions are light enough that you can done daily. Follow the sequence from Day 1 to Day 7 in order. - Ideally done at the start of your day or at the end. Day 1: Kneeling T-Spine Stretch (0:06) [ 10 reps/side ] - Start: Kneeling, one hand on the floor. - Slide your straight arm under your torso. - Reach as far forward as possible. - Keep your hips squared throughout the motion. Kneeling T-Spine Rotation (0:12) [10 reps/side] - Start: Kneeling, one hand on the floor, the other behind your head. - Rotate inward to point your elbow toward the floor. - Rotate outward to point your elbow toward the ceiling. - You may not have the mobility to go all the way up. Stop when you reach your max, and do not force it. Supine Around The World (0:18) [10-20 reps/side] - Start: Lying on your back, arms by your sides, palms toward the ceiling. - Rotate your arms back to have your hands pointing behind you. Day 2 Side-Lying Quad Stretch (0:27) [30-60 seconds/leg] - Start: Lying on your side, legs stacked. - Grab your ankle and pull your foot toward you. - Use a towel or elastic band if you cannot reach your ankle. Hip Bridge, Feet on Bench (0:37) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top of each rep] - Start: Lying on your back, feet on an elevated surface like a bench, couch, or chair. - Lift your hips off the floor to align your upper and lower bodies. - Adapt: If you cannot lift all the way, do the same exercise with your feet on the floor. - Adapt: If this variation is too easy, do one leg at a time. Dynamic Hip Extension Plank (0:49) [ 10-20 reps/leg] - Start: Push-up position. - Lift one leg as high as possible, keeping it straight. - Alternate legs. - Adapt: Rest on your forearms if you struggle to hold the push-up position. Day 3 Sky Reach (1:04) [10 reps/side] - Start: Deep Squat position - Rotate one arm to have your hand pointing toward the ceiling or as close as you can reach. - Do not force the range of motion if you block before that. - Alternate arms. - Adapt: Kneeling variation. Side-Lying External Rotation (1:21) [10 reps/arm] - Start: Lying on your side, one hand supports your head, and the other holds a dumbbell or any weighted object if you lack equipment. - Rotate the weight directly above your body while keeping your arm locked to your torso. Bent-Over Reverse Flys (1:28) [20 reps] Start: Bend forward, arms hanging down. Ensure your back is straight and your hips are held high. Lift your arms to shoulder level and keep them straight. Adapt: Add weights if bodyweight is too easy. Day 4 Deep Squat (1:36) [10 reps] - Start: Feet slightly wider than hips apart. Inhale first, then hold it in. - Lead the motion by sliding your knees forward and letting your hips naturally fold. - Go as low as your body allows, then push back up. - Exhale on the way up. - Adapt: Hold onto something stable to help you go lower. Hip Thrust (1:44) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top of each rep] - Start: Both feet on the ground, shoulders on the edge of a bench or couch, hips down. - Lift your hips to align your lower and upper bodies, and hold. Side Bridge (1:57) [10 reps/side] - Start: Side Plank position, legs stacked. - Lift your hips off the floor and hold when you reach the top. - Ensure your head stays aligned with your shoulders and hips. Avoid bending it forward to make the motion easier. - Adapt: Bend the lower leg. Day 5 Wall Slides (2:23) [10 reps] - Start: Stand in front of a wall with your forearms and hands flat behind you. - Be as close as you can to the wall, but you can take a few steps forward if you lack the mobility to keep your arms flat. - Straighten your arms while keeping them flat against the wall. Y-Raises (2:29) [10 reps with a 3s hold at the top] - Start: Lying on your stomach, arms in a Y position, thumbs toward the ceiling. - Lift your thumbs toward the ceiling and hold. - Lower back to the floor. T-Raises (2:41) [10 reps with a 3-second hold at the top] - Start: Lying on your stomach, arms in a T position, thumbs toward the ceiling. - Lift your arms toward the ceiling and hold. - Lower back to the floor. Day 6 Seated Toe Pointing (2:56) [10 reps] - Start: Sitting on the floor with your legs ahead of you, feet together. - Point your toes forward. - Point them toward you. Seated Ankle Rotations (3:02) [10 reps] - Start: Sitting on the floor with your legs ahead of you, feet apart. - Rotate your feet like a windshield wiper, going as deep as possible on either side. Reverse Plank (3:09) [Hold for 30-60 seconds] - Start: Ball of the feet on a step, heels hanging. You may hold on to a ramp or wall for added support. - Lower your heels as low as possible and hold at the bottom. - Lift your heels as high as possible. Day 7 Unilateral Chest Stretch (3:21) [30-60 seconds/arm] - Start: Place your hand flat against the wall at shoulder level. - Rotate your body in the opposite direction and hold. - Placing your hand higher than shoulder level increases the stretch. Cat-Cow Stretch (3:31) [10 reps] - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Round your lower back like a cat (pulling it toward the ceiling) and hold. - Push it down as much as possible and hold. Wide Leg Adductor Stretch (3:38) [30-60 seconds] - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs as wide as possible, hands right in front of you. - Hold the position. // Start your New Year's resolutions with these quick posture workouts. You'll build up the foundations needed to withstand 2024 and crush your goals. Have an excellent weekend!

Alex Bernier

380,762 views • 2 years ago

This seven-day stretching routine is for tense people. You relax your mind by clearing the excess pressure stored in your body. The stretches target typical tension hot spots and create more space around your joints. Turn your stress around in less than 15 mins/day: Day 1 Prone Around the World (0:06) 3 x 10-20 reps - Start: Lying face down on the floor, arms straight by your sides, palms facing sideways. - Rotate your arms to have them ahead of you with your palms facing the floor. - Return to starting position. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x Standing Quad Stretch (0:12) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Standing next to a wall. - Grab your ankle and pull it toward you, hold. Calf Wall Stretch (0:22) 3 x 30-60s - Start: Hands on a wall, one foot ahead of the other. - Align the front foot with the other and hold. - Ensure your legs are straight, knees locked. Day 2 Standing Chest Stretch (0:32) Hold for 30-60s/arm - Start: Place your hand flat against the wall at shoulder level. - Rotate your body in the opposite direction and hold. - Placing your hand higher than shoulder level increases the stretch. Lying Crossed-Leg Stretch (0:41) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Lying on your back with one foot on the opposite knee. - Grab the uncrossed leg below the knee and pull it toward you. - Hold this position. Lying Leg-Up Hamstring Stretch (0:51) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Lying on your back with one leg bent and the other flat. - Grab your leg underneath your knee with both hands. - Straighten your leg and pull it toward you, then hold. Day 3 Cobra Stretch (1:00) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Lying on your stomach, hands flat in front of you, arms bent like a push-up. - Use your hands to straighten your arms and push your torso off the floor, bringing your head as high as possible. - Look up and hold. Standing Wrist flexor Stretch (1:11) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Standing up, one arm in front of you with your palm facing the ceiling. - Use your other hand to pull your fingers toward you and hold, then switch sides. Sitting Toe Pointing Stretch (1:20) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs straight ahead. - Point your toes forward and hold, then point them toward you and hold. Day 4 Supine Around the World (1:36) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Lying on your back, arms straight by your sides, palms facing up. - Rotate your arms to have them behind you. - Return to starting position. - Repeat 10-20x All-Fours Quad Stretch (1:42) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Grab one ankle and pull it towards you. Hold. - Use an elastic or a towel if you cannot reach your ankle. Lying Leg Tuck Hip Stretch (1:52) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Straighten one leg toward the back, and cross the other in front of you. - Hold this position. Day 5 Kneeling Lat Dynamic Stretch (2:04) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. Palm up. - Slide one arm as far forward as possible. - Return to starting position. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Dynamic Overhead Chest Stretch (2:10) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Standing, arms by your sides. - Lift your arms above and behind your head, hands together. - Lower them back by your sides. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Deep Split Squat (2:17) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Standing in a split position, front foot flat, the other foot has heel off the floor, torso upright. - Drive your knee past your toes, keeping the back leg as straight as possible. You may have to bend your knee is too stiff. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-12x. Day 6 Overhead Triceps Stretch (2:26) Hold for 30-60s/arm - Start: Standing, put your hand behind your head. - Pull your elbow with your other as far down as possible. - Hold. Kneeling Back Rotation Stretch (2:35) Hold for 30-60s/side - Start: Knees and one hand on the floor. - Rotate your arm to point toward the ceiling or, as close as possible to that position, hold it at the top. Kneeling Calf-Ham Stretch (2:44) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: One knee on the floor, the other leg straight ahead of you with toes pointing toward the ceiling. - Lean forward to touch your toes or get as close to them as possible. - Do not force it. - Hold where your range of motion stops. Day 7 Deep Squat Twist (2:57) Repeat 10-20x/side - Start: Deep Squat position, elbows against your knees. - Rotate one arm toward the ceiling or as close as possible. - Rotate back to the starting position, then repeat on the opposite side. - Do not force the range of motion. Dynamic Kneeling Neck Stretch (3:05) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Lift your chin as high as possible. - Lower your head back to the starting position. - Do not force it any higher than you can reach. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Wide Leg Adductor Stretch (3:14) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs as wide as possible, hands right in front of you. - Walk your hands as far forward as possible. - Hold the position. - Do not force the range of motion. // The goal of this routine is to show you a simple way to calm your body and mind during times of stress, while improving your mobility and protecting yourself from future chronic pain. You don't have to aspire to bend like a pretzel to benefit from the powers of stretching. Start today, and you'll feel like a different person by the end of the week.

This seven-day stretching routine is for tense people. You relax your mind by clearing the excess pressure stored in your body. The stretches target typical tension hot spots and create more space around your joints. Turn your stress around in less than 15 mins/day: Day 1 Prone Around the World (0:06) 3 x 10-20 reps - Start: Lying face down on the floor, arms straight by your sides, palms facing sideways. - Rotate your arms to have them ahead of you with your palms facing the floor. - Return to starting position. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x Standing Quad Stretch (0:12) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Standing next to a wall. - Grab your ankle and pull it toward you, hold. Calf Wall Stretch (0:22) 3 x 30-60s - Start: Hands on a wall, one foot ahead of the other. - Align the front foot with the other and hold. - Ensure your legs are straight, knees locked. Day 2 Standing Chest Stretch (0:32) Hold for 30-60s/arm - Start: Place your hand flat against the wall at shoulder level. - Rotate your body in the opposite direction and hold. - Placing your hand higher than shoulder level increases the stretch. Lying Crossed-Leg Stretch (0:41) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Lying on your back with one foot on the opposite knee. - Grab the uncrossed leg below the knee and pull it toward you. - Hold this position. Lying Leg-Up Hamstring Stretch (0:51) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Lying on your back with one leg bent and the other flat. - Grab your leg underneath your knee with both hands. - Straighten your leg and pull it toward you, then hold. Day 3 Cobra Stretch (1:00) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Lying on your stomach, hands flat in front of you, arms bent like a push-up. - Use your hands to straighten your arms and push your torso off the floor, bringing your head as high as possible. - Look up and hold. Standing Wrist flexor Stretch (1:11) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Standing up, one arm in front of you with your palm facing the ceiling. - Use your other hand to pull your fingers toward you and hold, then switch sides. Sitting Toe Pointing Stretch (1:20) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs straight ahead. - Point your toes forward and hold, then point them toward you and hold. Day 4 Supine Around the World (1:36) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Lying on your back, arms straight by your sides, palms facing up. - Rotate your arms to have them behind you. - Return to starting position. - Repeat 10-20x All-Fours Quad Stretch (1:42) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Grab one ankle and pull it towards you. Hold. - Use an elastic or a towel if you cannot reach your ankle. Lying Leg Tuck Hip Stretch (1:52) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Straighten one leg toward the back, and cross the other in front of you. - Hold this position. Day 5 Kneeling Lat Dynamic Stretch (2:04) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. Palm up. - Slide one arm as far forward as possible. - Return to starting position. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Dynamic Overhead Chest Stretch (2:10) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Standing, arms by your sides. - Lift your arms above and behind your head, hands together. - Lower them back by your sides. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Deep Split Squat (2:17) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Standing in a split position, front foot flat, the other foot has heel off the floor, torso upright. - Drive your knee past your toes, keeping the back leg as straight as possible. You may have to bend your knee is too stiff. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-12x. Day 6 Overhead Triceps Stretch (2:26) Hold for 30-60s/arm - Start: Standing, put your hand behind your head. - Pull your elbow with your other as far down as possible. - Hold. Kneeling Back Rotation Stretch (2:35) Hold for 30-60s/side - Start: Knees and one hand on the floor. - Rotate your arm to point toward the ceiling or, as close as possible to that position, hold it at the top. Kneeling Calf-Ham Stretch (2:44) Hold for 30-60s/leg - Start: One knee on the floor, the other leg straight ahead of you with toes pointing toward the ceiling. - Lean forward to touch your toes or get as close to them as possible. - Do not force it. - Hold where your range of motion stops. Day 7 Deep Squat Twist (2:57) Repeat 10-20x/side - Start: Deep Squat position, elbows against your knees. - Rotate one arm toward the ceiling or as close as possible. - Rotate back to the starting position, then repeat on the opposite side. - Do not force the range of motion. Dynamic Kneeling Neck Stretch (3:05) Repeat 10-20x - Start: Hands and knees on the floor. - Lift your chin as high as possible. - Lower your head back to the starting position. - Do not force it any higher than you can reach. - This stretch is dynamic - Repeat 10-20x. Wide Leg Adductor Stretch (3:14) Hold for 30-60s - Start: Sit on the floor with your legs as wide as possible, hands right in front of you. - Walk your hands as far forward as possible. - Hold the position. - Do not force the range of motion. // The goal of this routine is to show you a simple way to calm your body and mind during times of stress, while improving your mobility and protecting yourself from future chronic pain. You don't have to aspire to bend like a pretzel to benefit from the powers of stretching. Start today, and you'll feel like a different person by the end of the week.

Alex Bernier

388,104 views • 2 years ago

Britney Spears teaches Ellen DeGeneres her daily 500–1,000 sit-up routine: In early 2004, Britney was deep in rehearsals for her Onyx Hotel Tour, dancing for hours everyday... sometimes until 6 or 10 at night. Ellen asked how she stayed in shape on top of all that, and Britney admitted she does 500 to 1,000 sit-ups almost every day. Ellen pressed for the specifics, so Britney got on the floor and walked her through it step by step. She explains the first set: "Usually I'll do with my legs up and I'll do 50 of these. Just put your hands up. Yeah, like that. You do 50." Then the variation: "Then you do 50 of these with your hands like that." And then the one she warned was the worst: "And then this is the hard one. Then you do 50 with your butt up like that." That's 150 sit-ups in a single round, cycled through three different positions to hit the abs from different angles. Britney told Ellen she repeats the whole sequence over and over until she hits her number, counting by ones, not in batches. She also threw in a bonus move for the obliques: "Another thing that really works good, if you try sideways like this and do it, it works the side part right here. And then do it the other way." Ellen asked whether she breaks it up into sets of 25 or knocks out 100 at a time. Britney's answer was matter-of-fact: "I do it all together."

Britney Spears teaches Ellen DeGeneres her daily 500–1,000 sit-up routine: In early 2004, Britney was deep in rehearsals for her Onyx Hotel Tour, dancing for hours everyday... sometimes until 6 or 10 at night. Ellen asked how she stayed in shape on top of all that, and Britney admitted she does 500 to 1,000 sit-ups almost every day. Ellen pressed for the specifics, so Britney got on the floor and walked her through it step by step. She explains the first set: "Usually I'll do with my legs up and I'll do 50 of these. Just put your hands up. Yeah, like that. You do 50." Then the variation: "Then you do 50 of these with your hands like that." And then the one she warned was the worst: "And then this is the hard one. Then you do 50 with your butt up like that." That's 150 sit-ups in a single round, cycled through three different positions to hit the abs from different angles. Britney told Ellen she repeats the whole sequence over and over until she hits her number, counting by ones, not in batches. She also threw in a bonus move for the obliques: "Another thing that really works good, if you try sideways like this and do it, it works the side part right here. And then do it the other way." Ellen asked whether she breaks it up into sets of 25 or knocks out 100 at a time. Britney's answer was matter-of-fact: "I do it all together."

History Nerd

45,742 views • 2 months ago

Strong legs are the foundations of a stable posture, yet many let theirs weaken over time. You lose your ability to move and stand upright. Much of my work with chronic pain clients involves strengthening the legs. This video shows 8 essential lower body motions: 1- Hip Extensions Standing upright involves straightening your torso to align it with your lower body, an extension of your hips executed by your Glutes and Hamstrings. The problem is you sit on these muscles all day, weakening them over the years to the point where they fail to do their job. Your lower back picks up the slack against its will and becomes overworked. I'll start chronic pain clients with Hip Bridges on the floor to ensure everything is balanced, then progress to Hip Thrusts and eventually Standing exercises like the Romanian Deadlift. As for the Deadlift off the floor, those are great if you can access a barbell or kettlebell. - Hip Bridge (0:05) - Hip Thrust (0:11) - Romanian Deadlift (0:17) - Deadlift (0:23) 2- Split Squats Split Squats are excellent for strengthening the knees. In the case of a chronic pain client, I use them to stretch the quad and Hip Flexors of the back leg, which are often extremely stiff due to sitting. This stiffness makes the body collapse forward and is often the limiting factor when people try this exercise for the first time. I'll start someone with the Front Foot elevated because it's easier on the front leg and gives a great stretch, then progress to flat and rear foot elevated. - Front foot elevated (0:30) - Flat (0:36) - Rear-foot elevated (0:42.2) 3- Lunges Lunges are the dynamic version of the Split Squat. Besides being excellent for strengthening your leg muscles, the one thing I love about this exercise is that it teaches you how to brace yourself as your foot lands. Many people lack the core strength to absorb an impact. Lunges develop that shock absorption capacity, especially when done with weights. Ensure you have mastered the Split Squats before doing them, and use different directions to target your muscles differently. - Forward (0:48) - Back (0:54.7) - Side (1:07) 4- Squats The king of all exercises is crucial for your ascension. The vertical motion improves your ability to overcome the world's weight crashing down upon you. It's also an amazing Glute and Quad stretch in the bottom position. I'll start chronic pain clients with the bodyweight variation before progressing them to weighted and eventually one-legged, also known as Pistol Squats. Doing one leg at a time is one of the best ways to balance your body's left and right sides from head to toe. - Body weight (1:12.5) - Loaded (1:19) - Pistol (1:25.5) 5- Step-ups Step-ups are amongst my favorite one-sided exercises to strengthen the Glutes and Quads. They are excellent for improving the stability of your hips and abdominal muscles. Use the Front and Lateral variations to maximize your results. - Front (1:31.5) - Lateral (1:38) 6 - Leg Curls Leg Curls strengthen the lower attachment of your Hamstrings. They are an integral part of my knee and lower back recovery programs because many people are weak due to sitting. I'll have chronic pain clients use a towel to create muscle resistance, though you can do them standing to get some much-needed blood flow. The best way to benefit from this exercise is by using an exercise ball or a machine at the gym. - Standing (1:43) - Towel (1:49) - Exercise ball (1:55.4) - Machine (2:02.1) 7- Adductions The inner thigh muscles become problematic when people sit with their legs crossed. They either get stiff or weak depending on whether you cross one leg over the other or with your foot on the opposite knee. I love Copenhagen Planks to restore the balance in your adductors. - Knee-bent (2:08.8) - Straight-leg (2:14) 8- Calf Raises The ankles are the cornerstone of your posture because they affect the alignment of every other joint above. Strong Calves are essential to their stability, yet many omit them from their workouts. Standing Calf Raises also strengthen the knees from behind. Doing the Donkey variation, you'll feel an intense stretch from the knee to the ankle. Seated Calf Raises work a different lower leg muscle essential to pump blood back up from your feet. - Standing (2:20.5) - Donkey (2:26.6) - Seated (2:33.3) Include these 8 types of motions in your routine as an insurance policy against serious mobility problems down the line. Keeping your legs strong ensures a stable posture and quality movements, two crucial factors for a high quality of life.

Strong legs are the foundations of a stable posture, yet many let theirs weaken over time. You lose your ability to move and stand upright. Much of my work with chronic pain clients involves strengthening the legs. This video shows 8 essential lower body motions: 1- Hip Extensions Standing upright involves straightening your torso to align it with your lower body, an extension of your hips executed by your Glutes and Hamstrings. The problem is you sit on these muscles all day, weakening them over the years to the point where they fail to do their job. Your lower back picks up the slack against its will and becomes overworked. I'll start chronic pain clients with Hip Bridges on the floor to ensure everything is balanced, then progress to Hip Thrusts and eventually Standing exercises like the Romanian Deadlift. As for the Deadlift off the floor, those are great if you can access a barbell or kettlebell. - Hip Bridge (0:05) - Hip Thrust (0:11) - Romanian Deadlift (0:17) - Deadlift (0:23) 2- Split Squats Split Squats are excellent for strengthening the knees. In the case of a chronic pain client, I use them to stretch the quad and Hip Flexors of the back leg, which are often extremely stiff due to sitting. This stiffness makes the body collapse forward and is often the limiting factor when people try this exercise for the first time. I'll start someone with the Front Foot elevated because it's easier on the front leg and gives a great stretch, then progress to flat and rear foot elevated. - Front foot elevated (0:30) - Flat (0:36) - Rear-foot elevated (0:42.2) 3- Lunges Lunges are the dynamic version of the Split Squat. Besides being excellent for strengthening your leg muscles, the one thing I love about this exercise is that it teaches you how to brace yourself as your foot lands. Many people lack the core strength to absorb an impact. Lunges develop that shock absorption capacity, especially when done with weights. Ensure you have mastered the Split Squats before doing them, and use different directions to target your muscles differently. - Forward (0:48) - Back (0:54.7) - Side (1:07) 4- Squats The king of all exercises is crucial for your ascension. The vertical motion improves your ability to overcome the world's weight crashing down upon you. It's also an amazing Glute and Quad stretch in the bottom position. I'll start chronic pain clients with the bodyweight variation before progressing them to weighted and eventually one-legged, also known as Pistol Squats. Doing one leg at a time is one of the best ways to balance your body's left and right sides from head to toe. - Body weight (1:12.5) - Loaded (1:19) - Pistol (1:25.5) 5- Step-ups Step-ups are amongst my favorite one-sided exercises to strengthen the Glutes and Quads. They are excellent for improving the stability of your hips and abdominal muscles. Use the Front and Lateral variations to maximize your results. - Front (1:31.5) - Lateral (1:38) 6 - Leg Curls Leg Curls strengthen the lower attachment of your Hamstrings. They are an integral part of my knee and lower back recovery programs because many people are weak due to sitting. I'll have chronic pain clients use a towel to create muscle resistance, though you can do them standing to get some much-needed blood flow. The best way to benefit from this exercise is by using an exercise ball or a machine at the gym. - Standing (1:43) - Towel (1:49) - Exercise ball (1:55.4) - Machine (2:02.1) 7- Adductions The inner thigh muscles become problematic when people sit with their legs crossed. They either get stiff or weak depending on whether you cross one leg over the other or with your foot on the opposite knee. I love Copenhagen Planks to restore the balance in your adductors. - Knee-bent (2:08.8) - Straight-leg (2:14) 8- Calf Raises The ankles are the cornerstone of your posture because they affect the alignment of every other joint above. Strong Calves are essential to their stability, yet many omit them from their workouts. Standing Calf Raises also strengthen the knees from behind. Doing the Donkey variation, you'll feel an intense stretch from the knee to the ankle. Seated Calf Raises work a different lower leg muscle essential to pump blood back up from your feet. - Standing (2:20.5) - Donkey (2:26.6) - Seated (2:33.3) Include these 8 types of motions in your routine as an insurance policy against serious mobility problems down the line. Keeping your legs strong ensures a stable posture and quality movements, two crucial factors for a high quality of life.

Alex Bernier

696,634 views • 2 years ago

The single-leg RDL ( or as some may call a hip hinge) is one of my favourite unilateral movements for building strength and control through the entire posterior chain, from your mid/lower back, to the glutes and hamstrings. Most athletes focus on just getting strong under load and while that’s important, there’s another key piece that often gets overlooked: creating length and extension through the whole body. Think about creating distance between your rear heel and the top of your head that’s where the magic happens. Here’s how I like to coach this movement: 1️⃣ RDL box-assisted with a slider — This gives your athlete a stable base to feel supported while learning to reach through that back leg. It’s a semi-passive way to build the right pattern safely. 2️⃣ Foam roller progression — Now we add a bit more difficulty. Holding a foam roller between your rear foot and same side hand forces you to stay long and connected from head to heel. 3️⃣ Banded active correction — Here, we make it active. Pressing your rear foot into the band creates that intentional extension and full-body engagement. Once your athlete has mastered these three progressions, they’re ready to load the real RDL — and you’ll notice better balance, smoother control, and a stronger hinge pattern overall. Remember: the goal isn’t just to move heavy weight, it’s to move well first. When athletes learn to own the movement, performance follows.

The single-leg RDL ( or as some may call a hip hinge) is one of my favourite unilateral movements for building strength and control through the entire posterior chain, from your mid/lower back, to the glutes and hamstrings. Most athletes focus on just getting strong under load and while that’s important, there’s another key piece that often gets overlooked: creating length and extension through the whole body. Think about creating distance between your rear heel and the top of your head that’s where the magic happens. Here’s how I like to coach this movement: 1️⃣ RDL box-assisted with a slider — This gives your athlete a stable base to feel supported while learning to reach through that back leg. It’s a semi-passive way to build the right pattern safely. 2️⃣ Foam roller progression — Now we add a bit more difficulty. Holding a foam roller between your rear foot and same side hand forces you to stay long and connected from head to heel. 3️⃣ Banded active correction — Here, we make it active. Pressing your rear foot into the band creates that intentional extension and full-body engagement. Once your athlete has mastered these three progressions, they’re ready to load the real RDL — and you’ll notice better balance, smoother control, and a stronger hinge pattern overall. Remember: the goal isn’t just to move heavy weight, it’s to move well first. When athletes learn to own the movement, performance follows.

Lorne Goldenberg

27,325 views • 10 months ago