Do you want strong and beautiful abs? Try this exercise!

 

Has anyone ever explained why it’s so important to have strong abs? Of course, we all want beautiful, flat, and defined abs, but there is a much greater reason we should care about how strong our core is compare to the rest of our muscles.

The four-arm plank is one of my favorites! Why, because I don’t have as much stress on my neck and so many other muscles are engaged and working hard too.

How to do a four arm plank

Find a soft area on the floor.  Start on all fours with your hands aligned with your shoulders and your knees with your hip bones. Once you have set up correctly, then bring your elbows down to the floor. Your shoulder blades should be moving and drawing towards your spine.

• Make sure your hands do not come together. If you do this exercise correctly, you will strengthen your upper back as well.

Lower body

Tuck your toes and lift your knees off of the floor. If you feel your hips are up too high, walk your feet back, away from you. This will level off your hips, the entire body will be in a straight line.

• You can also modify this pose by keeping your knees on the ground. In this case, walk your knees back, and away from you.

Once you are in position, try holding the four arm plank for 30 seconds to a minute.  As you get stronger you will be able to hold it longer.

To have strong abs is seriously going to help you throughout your day.  Whether your daily routine is doing gardening, cleaning house,  working, or exercising if you have strong abs you will reduce the risk of injuries, and you will be able to do the things you love for many years!

Photo credits: Ralph Thompson- gallery74@hotmail.com