Most of us probably end our workouts with abs. For some reason, doing abs at the end of a workout is everyone’s default, with really no reasoning as to why. But is doing your ab exercises at the end the correct way to workout? Most people start their workout by stretching and doing a few dynamic exercises. However, activating your abs at the start of your workout is vital for a few reasons.
Activating your core is so crucial because using your abdominal muscles helps you perform various movements. That’s why so many workouts, even the ones we don’t realize are using our core, are a core workout in themselves. It’s essential to activate your core in all exercises because not doing so can increase your risk of injury.
So, just like how you stretch before a workout and do a few dynamic exercises to get your body moving and blood flowing, you need to do the same with your abs. You don’t need to do a full-blown ab workout right when you start, but a few basic movements will do the job. Here are a few exercises we recommend:
1Planks with a knee tap
Start with a regular plank position and lightly bring one knee to the ground and tap them. Switch between both knees and repeat for two sets of 10 reps.
2Glute bridges
Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Raise your hips, squeeze your butt and abs as you raise, hold in that position for a few seconds, and bring your butt back down to the beginning position. Just make sure your butt doesn’t touch the ground! Repeat for two sets of 10 reps.
3Plank walkouts
Start by standing up straight. Bend forward and bring your hands to the mat. Slowly walk your hands out on the mat in front of you until your body is in a plank position. Hold the plank for a few seconds, and then walk back into standing position. Repeat for 1 set of 10 reps.
