October 08, 2010
When it comes to your abs, it's easy to plateau. That is why I like to "shake" things up and challenge my clients by adding upper- and lower-body muscle moves to every abdominal-sculpting workout.
One of my favorite moves is the "Martini Shaker," which works your abs, biceps and quads at the same time.
Martini Shaker:Pick up one heavy weight -- at least 10 lbs.
Lean back into a "boat" position so that your abs have to contract to keep you from falling backwards.
Try not to "sink your ship" by rounding the back, but instead keep the head and chest lifted, and back in a straight line from hips to head.
Start dropping the weight to the left, almost to the floor, so that the weight of the end of the weight lands in your left palm. Repeat on the right, twisting the torso to the right, to complete one rep.
Make it harder: Lift your feet into a table top position, parallel with the floor. This will engage your hip flexors and quadriceps in your legs as well.
Repeat the move 20 times.
Remember, multitasking saves time and cuts your workout time while increasing effort. That's something to toast to.
Fitness — Fit it in!Nikki
NikkiFitness, Nicole Glor, is an AFAA certified NYC personal trainer, group fitness instructor at Crunch in Manhattan and fitness columnist for Military.com. Her workouts focus on multitasking toning and cardio intervals to cut workout time in half and boost metabolism. She has 6 DVDs and downloads on Amazon including the new Hard Core Abs DVD, Fit Travel Workout DVD, Booty Camp, Military Wife Workout, Baby Bootie Camp, and the Beach Bride Destination Wedding Workout. Get her newsletters, music playlists, video demos and DVDs at www.nikkifitness.com.