The free 30 day ab challenge is winding down for those who started with me! I’ve heard from many of you that the moves are killer and you’re loving working your core with different moves {absolutely join now to get all the emails with workouts and nutrition tips! And, read more right now—tips on how to see your abs}.
Instead of tossing a new core workout on you today because I think we all need to keep progress with the other three; I want to talk about core stretches!
Don't overlook the power of stretching to get the abs you want! #fitness Share on XWhy are core stretches important:
- relive soreness
- elongate muscles after shortening them with the workouts
- super tight feeling around our diaphragm can inhibit breathing as we run
- reduce any tension or stress on the lower back, which we accumulate tension there from sitting all day, which tightens our hip flexors and leads to IT Band Pain
Cobra from Yoga is the most well known ab stretch and oh does it feel good! You can start by coming half way up or all the way in to upward dog. Just make sure you aren’t straining your neck.
Over Stability Ball (or you can do wheel) – As easy as it gets! Simply allow yourself to lay over the ball and focus on rolling your shoulders back and down as well. Hold the stretch 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Holding door pose – You can use a door jam or a machine as I did the video. Line your self up directly next to it with about a foot of space and grasping the door, push hips away feeling the stretch through your entire side. Hold 30 seconds.
Shoulder Stretch – Laying on floor with arms out to side in a T figure, keep left shoulder connected to ground and start to roll your body towards it. Restoring shoulder mobility helps in every movement we do and releases unnecessary tension down our core.
Y Shoulder Stretch – Changing the arm position by forming a Y instead of a T will help you stretch different muscles. You’ll like not be able to twist as far.
Knee Twists (not featured) – this is actually from functional medicine as a way to ensure you are moving things through the digestive track. Amazing to do each night and keep things moving for a nice flat stomach. Simply lay on your back with knees bent and do a windshield wiper move to move side to side.
Finish up stretching the core with these hips stretches to release your lower belly too!
Do you have a favorite stretch for the core?
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Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
These are great, Amanda! I do love the cobra stretch. I often neglect stretching out the core – I needed this reminder about how important it is!
amanda -runtothefinish
My favorite thing about reading blogs, I’m always getting reminders and it helps keep me on track with things!!
Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales
These are great! I love that stretch over the stability ball. I have been feeling a lot of tightness in my right oblique/hip so hoping some of these will help!
Marsha
My favorites are twists. I’m thankful for my weekly yoga classes that incorporate these types of moves because although I do a few stretches each morning including twists I don’t do enough!
amanda -runtothefinish
I love your consistency with yoga, i think it’s so helpful!!!
Rebecca@defensesoap
I usually take for-granted stretching core, this is a great article to remind me inspiring me to do this. Thanks for sharing.
MICHAEL BRANDON
Cobra from yoga is a good idea for stretching. An ideal combination between yoga and excercise. But for me, I prefer stability ball, just roll back and forth. The only problem is I often have back pain after training.
Michael
I have watched the flatten exercise on youtube. I like Stretches to Flatten on the balls. I have tried and feel nice.