"Core Power"

goodhousekeeping.com

So its that time of the year again. The rains are over, and the party season is around the corner. Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, and New Years. Not to mention weddings, engagements, birthdays, and those “oh so page 3” parties. Translation: its see and be seen time people….when its all about the that perfect dress, the shortest skirts, the skinniest jeans, the backless cholis, and of course the Perfectly. Flat. Belly.


Not to worry ladies, we all have hope! Have found, and am (very!) generously willing to share with you some tried and tested (by moi, yours truly) core strengthening moves that are guaranteed to help you get those torsos into shape for the season!

• Stabilty Ball Pull-Ins: Get into plank position, but instead of placing your feet on the floor, prop up your legs with a stability ball. With your ankles on top of the ball and your arms and back aligned, your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your feet. Bend your knees and use your core to roll the ball toward your chest. Pause, then extend your legs to return the ball to start. Repeat 5 to ten times.

• Bridge Pose (Setubandhasana): Lie down on your back with your knees bent, feet flat on the ground and pointing straight ahead. Rest your arms by the side of your body with palms facing the floor. Taking a deep breath in, draw in your belly and try to maintain this throughout the exercise. Slowly contract the muscles of the buttocks, and lift your hips off the ground until your hips, knees and shoulders are in one straight line. Hold for upto 20 seconds and slowly lower back down. Repeat upto 5 times.