When you're out there in real life (whether you're playing a sport, grocery shopping, or walking the dog), we are using our legs to drive the action, while our abs are stabilizing and supporting that action.
You can't have one without the other - which is precisely why I love leg exercises to train the abs.
With the right leg exercise you can strengthen the abs, as well as your legs and hips. And, who doesn't like an exercise that hits more the one muscle at a time? Try these exercises at your next workout and add some more bang to your fitness buck.
1. Windmill Squat Press Stand with your feet slightly wider than hip width, holding one heavy dumbbell overhead with your right arm, palm facing in, left arm down by your side (photo 1a).
Lower into a squat, looking up at your left arm as your torso rotates to keep it straight up above your shoulder. Your palm should turn away from body at this point (photo 1b).
2. Overhead Lunges Hold onto a dumbbell with your left hand and extend the arm straight up (photo 2a).
Keep the elbow close to the ear while you perform a reverse lunge with your left leg (photo 2b). Do a full set and then switch arms and legs.
3. Prone Squat Begin in a straight-arm plank, feet shoulder width, wrists directly under your shoulders and your head past your fingertips (photo 3a).
Press your hips back towards your heels, keeping your knees close to the floor (photo 3b). Don't move your feet or your hands. Just your torso.
PJ Wren is a local fitness trainer and owner of The Studio - an award-winning boutique fitness studio in the heart of Ladner. www.thestudio.ca.
