Strength Training 101: Woodchoppers

Hi Friends!
Hope you're having a great week! This week, I wanted to touch on an exercise that is great for your core, but is often done incorrectly. You can even anchor a resistance band under one foot, and perform them that way, just make sure the band doesn't slide as you rotate your foot! :)
Here's the breakdown: Start with abs in and dumbbell in hand. (You can either practice this move with no weights at all, which I recommend for beginners.) You won't need a very heavy dumbbell, either. Squat down, holding dumbbell in both hands by right knee. Twist and rotate with straight arms, moving dumbbell up diagonally to the left. Slowly rotate and lower dumbbell back to the right side in a squat. This move should never be rushed, and abs should be contracted throughout this movement.

This is a great move for working the obliques, but should not be performed with momentum for safety reasons. This move is great for not only working the core, but also getting a total body cardio workout! Get out there and get moving!

Happy Workout Wednesday!
Julie 

Tabata: Abs and Cardio

Yay! The week is halfway over, and I'm so relieved...This week has been crazy, and I'm typing this super quickly right now....I've been working out in the gym again, but am still doing tabata 3 or 4 times a week, because my schedule's so hectic, but it's getting the job done beautifully!
And because my schedule's so crazy, this is the end of the post. TTFN!

Here's my tutorial:
Squat + Knee Lift: Squat down, knees and toes in same direction, and as you stand up, lift one knee towards your chest, repeat, alternating sides.
Reverse Crunch: Lie on your back, feet on the floor. Zip up your abs, and use them, not momentum to bring your knees to your chest, with a lift at the top.
Plank: keep your abs zipped up, and not sagging towards the ground.
Bird Dog: On hands and knees, with abs zipped, lift the opposite arm and leg to parallel then lower.
Split Squat + Twist: With one foot in front and on foot behind, Lower down towards the floor, keeping the weight in the front foot. Twist towards the outside of the front leg. Stand, pressing your weight into the front heel.
Side Plank + Tunnels: Get into a side plank on your elbow, keeping everything from your head to your heels in line. Keeping your side lifted, reach under your side with your top arm  and repeat.