Forget planks — strengthen and tone your core with just 1 resistance band and these 5 moves
Forget planks — strengthen and tone your core with just 1 resistance band and these 5 moves
When it comes to strengthening your core, one of the best resistance bands can be a game-changer. This handy little exercise tool can offer targeted resistance to help in building strength, definition and stability from the center of your body.
With just a resistance band, you can effectively engage your core muscles in a variety of challenging exercises designed to enhance strength and endurance. Trainer Cindy Yu, has crafted a focused core-strengthening workout that requires nothing more than one band and five exercises.
When choosing which resistance to work with, opt for a band that provides enough resistance to challenge your core muscles without compromising your form. This session consists of multiple rounds of core-targeting exercises, each lasting for under a minute so give it your all during each rep and remember to engage that core.
What is the banded core workout?
There will be no minute long painful planks in this routine. You just need to spend 30-40 seconds on each exercise and keep that motivation up as there are four to five rounds to complete (the fifth is optional).
It might be a wise idea to plug in a pair of the best workout buds to keep you entertained as you sweat – after all, there is a whole new Taylor Swift album to carry you through!
You can find a rundown on the exercises below and watch Yu perform each move.
- Glute Bridge Abduction Cross Crunch: 30-40 secs
- Banded Kick Out: 30-40 secs
- Abduction Ab Crunch: 30-40 secs
- Banded Bicycle Abs: 30-40 secs
- Leg Drop Abduction: 30-40 secs
Each exercise in Yu’s short routine targets different aspects of core strength, providing a complete workout that engages various muscle groups around the abdomen, lower back, and hips.
This banded circuit promotes functional core strength that translates into improved stability and balance in daily activities and in other forms of exercise such as running or weight lifting. Exercises like the Glute Bridge Abduction Cross Crunch and Banded Kick Outs challenge not only the abdominal muscles but also the glutes and hip abductors.
Working with a resistance band in your core training adds an extra layer of challenge to traditional ab exercises, increasing resistance throughout the entire range of motion. This heightened resistance helps to activate deeper core muscles, including the transverse abdominis and obliques, which help your midsection to maintain proper posture and spinal alignment.
Another advantage of this resistance band core workout is its versatility and accessibility. With just a resistance band and a few feet of space, you have the freedom to perform the entire routine virtually anywhere, making it an ideal option for those who prefer to exercise at home or while traveling.
Fancy giving it a go? Grab a band and see how many rounds you manage.