Phenomenal Abdominals

Ab time again! Yay!

Today we are going to do "The 100" (for you Pilates Fans) in three different ways!*

Lay on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Hug them tight, releasing any tension in your lower back. Take 10-20 seconds to really breathe deep breaths. Release your arms and legs so that your feet are on the ground, knees bent, arms flat on ground at either side of your body.

Now, lift your arms off the ground, fingertips together and straight out, letting the energy flow from them. Tightening your abs, bring your head and shoulders off the ground. Begin to pulse your hands up and down (as if you are saying Hi, about 2-3 inch movements) and count 100 pulses. (Keep abs tight the entire time.)

Release, bringing knees to chest, take a few breaths and put your legs all the way flat to the ground, arms going the opposite direction to really stretch those abs. That's 1.

Bring arms back to side of body, lift legs into air so that knees are bent as if you are sitting (right angle to your body). Lift arms, head and shoulders off the ground by tightening abs and pulse hands for another 100.

Release and stretch out. That's 2.

Now, bring arms back to your sides, legs straight into the air either straight up and down or at a 45 degree angle (or somewhere in between), depending on your fitness level. Tighten abs, raise arms, head and shoulders and pulse hands for another 100.

Release, stretch out and you are done! Yay! EXCELLENT WORK!

Challenge: Go through the entire routine again 2-4 sets (all at once or throughout the day.)

*If you have no idea what I am talking about, view this video from TauMed Health.