Top 10 Best Yoga DVDs In 2016 Reviews

Last week I talked about the , given the cold, frozen, snowy state we’ve been in for the last six weeks.  Among them was more yoga, trying barre, more push-ups and just an overall increased emphasis on strength cross training.  A big component of that for me is core work.  A strong core improves results all over the board when it comes to fitness, in everything from running, to yoga to being able to do handstands.  Furthermore, a strong core is practical and useful for every day life and activities.  In terms of strength I’m all about the practicality.  I want a strong upper body so I can lift and move the things I want to, pull myself up onto the counter when I need to reach something on the very top shelf and haul the wood into our apartment for our fireplace.  It all starts with the core, and really a solid 10-20 minute core workout is all you need to leave you sore the next day, so here’s one to get you started.  And check at the bottom of the post for a couple more to try afteryou master this one!

Rest for 1-2 minutes and then repeat for a solid 10 minute abs workout.

A Few Explanations . . . 

Yogi Bicycle – You are probably familiar with the bicycle ab exercise, and while this is the same technique, you hold it for a count of two on each side – hands behind your head, left elbow to right bent knee, with left leg out straight and core firm, lifting chest off the floor.  Hold for two and then switch sides.

Mountain Climbers – Plank position with left leg coming to left elbow and right leg to right elbow, alternating sides.  Squeeze your core in and bring your leg as close to your elbow as possible.  Repeat for 15 on each side.  If you need an extra challenge, bring opposite knee to opposite elbow!

High Mountain Climbers – Same as above, except for perch your legs on the edge of a chair or bed, so they are higher than your body and you are planking on an angle.  Repeat motions as above.  If you need an extra challenge, bring opposite knee to opposite elbow!

Side Planks With Hip Drop – Starting in plank, rotate to the left or right so that you are just holding yourself up using one arm and your feet are stacked on top of each other.  Firming your core, release your hip down just until it hovers above the floor, leaving your arm and leg holding you in place.  Return hip to neutral and repeat 14 more times before switching sides.

Boat Pose With Extension – Starting in a seated position on the floor, lift your legs up and hold at a 90 degree angle so it is just your tailbone/sits bones on the floor.  Extend your arms out in front of you and then, straightening your legs, lean back until you feel like you are going to fall backwards, before pulling yourself back up to neutral again.  Repeat 30 times.

Want more 10 minutes of core? Try out and to make your core sore and work up those abs!  I’ve done them both and they leave you feeling the burn in just ten minutes!