Some Crossfit workouts that focus on building core strength for veterans include:
1. Planks
Planks are a great exercise for building core strength as they engage multiple muscle groups including the abdominals, obliques, and lower back. To perform a plank:
- Start in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders.
- Engage your core and hold your body in a straight line from head to heels.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute, gradually increasing the time as you get stronger.
2. Russian Twists
Russian twists target the obliques and help improve rotational strength. To do Russian twists:
- Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat.
- Lean back slightly and lift your feet off the ground.
- Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands and twist your torso from side to side, touching the weight to the floor on each side.
- Repeat for 10-15 reps on each side.
- Lie on your back with your arms extended towards the ceiling and your legs in a tabletop position.
- Lower one arm and the opposite leg towards the floor while keeping your back pressed into the ground.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
- Alternate sides for 10-12 reps on each side.
- Start lying on your back with a kettlebell in one hand.
- Press the kettlebell up towards the ceiling and use your free hand to prop yourself up onto your elbow.
- From there, push up onto your hand, lift your hips, and sweep your leg under to come to a standing position.
- Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.
- Repeat for 5 reps on each side.
- Lie on your back with your arms extended overhead and your legs straight out.
- Engage your core and lift your shoulder blades and legs off the ground, creating a “banana” shape with your body.
- Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, focusing on keeping your lower back pressed into the ground.
3. Dead Bugs
Dead bugs are a great exercise for core stability and control. To perform dead bugs:
4. Turkish Get-Ups
Turkish get-ups are a full-body exercise that also challenge the core. To do a Turkish get-up:
5. Hollow Body Holds
Hollow body holds are an isometric exercise that targets the entire core. To do a hollow body hold: