Mat Matters, Episode 54: 3 Unconventional Core Strengthening Movements

As someone who has been dealing with neck issues lately, I've been finding that back-based core work (anything reminiscent of sit-ups or crunches) is fairly uncomfortable. 

No matter how much I try to relax my head into my hands as I crunch my body up and in, I still feel some pull and strain in my neck (which is what I'm trying to avoid), so recently, I've been working some unconventional core work, instead. 

Today's video shares three core-focused exercises that aren't done while lying on the back, but are very, very effective (one might even call them "core-blasting," if one were making an informercial about them...). Each targets a slightly different area of the core, and let me tell you, these movements are intense. 

Teachers--I urge you to play with teaching these exercises in your classes in order to mix things up and get your students out of the "yogic crunch" mindset when it comes to core work. Yogis--try them in your home practice and see if you can up the number of reps that you do as you get stronger...

No matter what, have fun with these movements! I love 'em ;)

You can watch the video here or you can subscribe to my YouTube channel to ensure you never miss a video. 

{Oh, and if you can't tell from above, Sayde makes an appearance in the entire second half of this episode. She did not like waiting in the cold garage while I was taping, so of course I let her in and just *hoped* she would leave me alone for 5 minutes. Ha!  Thats a ridiculous thought...}

Enjoy!