This months core challenge is a smoker. Yes, it will give you lovely arms and tone abs but get ready to work ladies! Here's the set up:

1.) Get on your hands and knees

2.) Place your forearms on the ground with elbows under the shoulders and wrist in line with the elbows.

3.) Walk your legs out so you are in a forearm plank. A good forearm plank with your hips in line with your shoulders, belly pulled in, ribs closed and booty squeezed tight.

4.) Start to walk your feet toward your head, making your hips the highest point of your body. ( you will look like an upside down V, just like Alex in the above video).

5.) Keep looking at your feet, and push shoulder blades down and away from your ears.

6.) Inhale begin to slowly slide your whole body forward until you can drop your nose between your thumbs then exhale and push your self back to your original position.

7.) Repeat this move 5-10 times per set. Do 3-5 sets.

Have fun with it. :)

This exercise is a smoker! If you want a bang'n pair of legs, a firm butt, flat abs, flexible hips and better posture; this is your exercise. This is my favorite exercise and everybody @ the studio knows it. ;)

Here's how you do the exercise for the best results:

1.) Kneel on the ground and stand on your shins. You should lean back slightly so you feel your ankles make contact with the ground. Knees are in line with your hips.

2.) Press your ankles into the ground as you gently squeeze your knees towards each other (while you do the exercise)

3.) Pull your belly in and tilt your tail bone down.

4.)Squeeze your bottom as you reach your hips forward.

5.) Close your rib cage. Tighten the muscles around your rib cage.

6.) Reach your arms forward, out of the shoulder socket.

7.) Drop your chin to lengthen the back of your neck. When in doubt look at your chest.

8.) Keeping your core tight, slowly lean back from your knees. Do not arch your back.
Go back as low as you can keep your back from arching.

9.) If your butt drops onto your heels, you're not keeping your core tight enough. Try it again. This time, do it slower.

You will feel this exercise @ your:
thighs (the front)
butt
abs
inner thighs

If you feel it in your lower back. Stop immediately! Rest and try it again. Take your time. You'll get it.

I recommend 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Work toward this goal. You can do it. :)

Enjoy!!

This exercise burns off belly fat, builds core strength and strengthens your lower back.

1.) Lie on your back with your arms at your side.
2.)Place a yoga block or rolled up towel behind your knees.
3.)Bring your knees under your chest. Always keep your knees close to your chest.
4.)Pull your belly in and drop your ribs to the ground.
5.) Press the backs of your shoulders and triceps into the ground to help you lift your hips off of the ground.
6.) Do not swing your legs up, avoid momentum.
7.) Keep your head on the ground.
8.) Do 3 sets of 20 repetitons.
Enjoy!

To do this exercise correctly, you must imprint your lower back to the ground.
This will secure and protect your spine as you do the exercise.
1.) Lie on your back.
2.) Bring your bent knees to your chest.
3.) Lift your bottom and slide your forearms slightly under the edges of your hips.  Keep your shoulders down.
4.) Lift your head neck and shoulders. Gaze at your belly button.
5.)Reach your straightened legs toward the sky.
6.) Lower your legs slowly toward the ground.
7.) Hoover your legs over the ground while keeping your lower back in contact with the ground at
all times.
8.) Alternate slicing the legs past each other. (Just like the video)
9.) Aim for a total of 50 - 100 reps/leg.
10.) Repeat for 3-4 sets.
Enjoy!

This exercise is a smoker. :)
Proceed with caution: 
Your knees should not collapse or wobble.
Your chest should be lifted throughout the exercise.
Pull your shoulders back
Even distribute your weight into your legs as you lunge.

1.) Start this exercise standing with your weight out in front of you with your arms straight.
2.) As you step back to lunge, twist your upper body, carrying the weight over your front leg.
3.) Keep both arms straight as you twist.
4.) As you step forward, out of the reverse lunge, twist the upper body back to center with both arms bent in a bicep curl
5.) Press the weight directly over the crown of your head.

I recommend 3- 4 sets of 15 -25 reps per leg.

The weight should be challenging but you should be able to maintain good form the entire time.

Enjoy!

The seated mountain climber is an excellent intermediate level exercise that activates your core. It will teach you how to tilt your pelvis back and scoop your belly in deep to tone your abs.

Use a yoga block or a book:

1.) Place the object on the wall and hold it there with your toes.

2.) Extend your legs engage your quads and scoop your belly in deep.

3.) You can place your hand under your upper thigh (close to your bottom), across your chest or behind your head (as in the video)

4.) Slowly alternat bringing your knee toward your nose while keeping your upper body as still as possible.

I recommend starting with 10 reps/leg for 3-4 set. Then gradually work your way to 30-40 reps/leg per set.

​Enjoy!

I recommend doing 3 sets of 20-30 reps with weight that's challenging but allows you to maintain your form.

Towards the end of each set, it should get difficult but not impossible to complete your set with good form.

Enjoy. :)

Modification

1.) Make a loop with your yoga strap wide enough to place both arms in.
The strap must be made wide enough so your bent elbows are in line with your shoulders. Your bent elbows are just outside of your ribs. The strap is tightly bound and the tip of your elbows are firmly pressed just outside of your ribcage. The strap will press firmly against the front of your ribcage just below your breasts. The strip will prevent your elbows from sliding back against your ribcage completely. You should be able to retract your shoulder blades without shrugging your shoulders toward your ears.

2.) Start in Downward Facing Dog. The crown of your head should rest between the straps. If you can't get your head between the straps then rest your forehead on the 1st strap. Your head should be rested in or on the strap, completely.

3.) Tighten your belly, lift your ribs and slowly lower both elbows to the ground, simultaneously. Pause at the bottom for 2 breaths.

4.) Now, lower your both knees simultaneously gently to the ground. Pause for 2 breaths.

5.) Keep the belly and ribs engaged the entire time. Do not collapse.

6.) Straighten both knees, simultaneously, without shifting forward.

7.) Straighten both arms, simultaneously, without moving your hands, shifting forward  or collapsing the upper body. Pause for 2 breaths.

8.) Start with 4 sets of 10 repetitions with strict form.

9.) Work your way up to 3-4 sets of 20 reps.

Enjoy tone arms and legs, a flat belly, flexible hamstrings and baseline core strength for arm balances.

This class combines core strength, acrobatics and yoga for a body toning, lean muscle building, super fun workout. Curious? Come and see for yourself, Tuesday's @ 5:30pm.