Eight minutes of core moves to get runners feeling six-pack strong

So your running is up the speed but the strength work… er, not so much. Being a good runner involves more than just running. Most of us know that already and yet, strength workouts often remain fictitious rather than being an actual twice weekly occurrence. Luckily, changing that isn’t so hard. We recommend adding to your routine an eight-minute ab workout as a way to strengthen the core with a minimal time commitment. All you have to do is set a timer for eight minutes switching to a new exercise for every one. Don’t have eight favourite core exercises? (Yeah… fair.) Do some of ours. 

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Plank: You know this move. Get onto your forearms on a yoga mat or soft surface. Spread feet hip width apart and use your core to keep your body parallel to the ground. Read: lift your core, don’t let it sink to the ground. Side planks can also be done for a minute each side. 

Leg lifts: Lie on the mat with arms straight by the side and legs together straight out in front. Slowly raise the legs without bending to a 90-degree angle. Lower them back down again. Repeat for a minute. 

Classic crunches: Unless, you’ve been living under a rock, you know how to do this core classic. Up the level of difficulty by raising legs off the ground at a 90-degree angle. 

Side Plank Hip Thrust: This one should account for two minutes on the clock– one for each side. Watch the video above to see how it’s done. Essentially, you’re getting into a side plank and adding in hip thrust.

Supine Bunkie: This almost looks like a reverse plank. As demonstrated in the video, use a chair or table to rest your feet while stabilizing your body with your arms on the mat. Again, your body should be parallel to the ground. Lift legs a foot distance off the chair one at a time. 

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Bear Hold Variations: Get into a table-top position with knees hovering off the ground. Touch the opposite hand to the opposite shoulder. Repeat on the other side. Then, move feet back, one at a time, to plank position and then back to table top. Repeat. 

Boat Pose: This one is an easy way to end the mini workout. Get into the pose pictured above and hold. That’s it. Watch not to lean too far back.  And no, you’re not allowed to cheat by hugging your legs.