ABSolutley!

Happy Thursday!

Today I'm giving you an AB workout! The key to a strong and lean body is to have a strong core!

Some of you are going to LOVE me and others might want to yell and scream at me. This one is tough!

You will need: stability ball and a medicine ball or weight

Circuit #1- (rest only 45 sec in between circuits NOT exercises)

10 reps -medicine ball crunch- keep elbows locked and sit up while pushing the ball up to the ceiling

10 reps- stability ball crunch- a sit up that is performed on the stability ball

30 seconds- plank position - get into push up position, back straight, abs tight, and lower down so you are resting on your forearms. Make sure your elbow and shoulder are in line, and hold!

REST 45 seconds and repeat 3 times

Circuit #2

HIIT session- sprint 1 min walk 1 min repeat 4 additional times

Circuit #3

10 reps- medicine v-up- lay down, arms start above your head with elbows locked. While keeping legs straight bring them up, simultaneously reaching up to touch your toes with the ball or weight

30 seconds each side- side plank- same plank position just resting your weight on one arm and face sideways. Keep hips up and abs tight. Try to keep your body in a straight line. Shoulder needs to be incline with elbow

10 reps each side- Russian twist- start in sitting position, bend knees and lift off the ground. Hold medicine ball or weight close to body and while keeping back straight but slightly leaned back, and abs tight, you will twist side to side using your core.

REST 45 seconds and repeat 3 times

Circuit #4

Finish with another 10 min HIIT session- 1 min sprint, 1 min walk.

Don't hate me yet...try it for 3 weeks and you will see a GIANT change in your core area.

Fun thing about this work out is that it takes care of your cardio session too!

CHALLENGE: Try timing yourself the first time you try it. The idea is to do as much of it without rest as possible...you want to burn! Each time you do this, try to beat your last time.

Note: this is a modified version of the ab work out I'm currently using...if you are advanced, send me a message and I can give you the other half! ;)

Good luck and enjoy!

Nutrition tip: There are a lot of people who work out early in the morning and don't eat before they do. This is crazy! (unless you are on some extreme program) Your body needs fuel to perform properly. You need to eat a healthy meal or small snack with protein before you work out, so those nutrients can feed right into those muscles. Some of you may be thinking, "but I can't eat that early". My advice is to start small, grab a handful of nuts and a half of an apple. Or have one piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter. Also, remember to eat a high protein snack or meal within 30 min of completing your work out. It will help with the muscle building process.

Wellness advice: Remember your affirmations? Are you using them? If not, START! It will change your life. Also, find something to do for yourself for 15 mins. Read a book, take a walk, or just sit quietly and meditate. Taking this time for yourself is big. It's important for us to "unwind" so our bodies can handle the stress that is around us.

"Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it." - George Halas

Thanks!