On the third DAY OF FITNESS, my trainer gave to me 3-V-crunches, 2-floor to ceilings and a 1-minute plank.

 

This is the third of a series of 12 posts designed to encourage you to meet the challenge of exercising for 12 consecutive days during the holiday season.  Need to start at the beginning? Click here.  Want to read more about the nature of the challenge? Click here.

 

The exercise of the day is a V-crunch. Watch the video to see how this exercise is performed.  The first step is to find you perfect V-sit: lean back slightly, lift both feet slightly off the ground, and pull your belly button in toward your spine. Now for the crunch: simultaneously drop your upper body back and extend your legs, now bring it all back in to the perfect V-sit.  Try to keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears throughout.

 

Modification: If  the regular V-crunch is a little too much for you, no worries just modify.  Simply leave one or both of your feet on the ground while you drop your upper body back  (see demonstration at the end of the video).  Remember that this is your workout. Only you can determine the appropriate intensity level.

 

For the 12-day series, I’m only asking you to do 3 V-crunches, but feel free to do more.  Need more ideas on how to customize the 12 DAYS OF FITNESS to your intensity level?  Read the original blog post here.

 

Today’s exercise isolates the abs and back, but is slightly more effective than many crunches or sit-ups.  It also works the legs and encourages balance and coordination.  Happy crunching…don’t forget to also do your floor to ceilings and planks. 

 

 

Emily Stapleton