Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Side Planks

As you probably know, abs are more than just the front of your midsection, and strength training for abs is more than just crunches. Side planks are a great way to work your core strength, especially your obliques (side of your abs). Let's incorporate more tension in the side plank like we've been doing all month by adding in some dumbbells.

How do you do this exercise?

• Option 1: Balance on your right side with your right elbow underneath your right shoulder. Prop yourself up on that right elbow. You should be balancing just on your right elbow and the side of your right foot. Lift your hips high and hold the dumbbell in front of you. The higher your hips are, the more you work your core. But also make sure the dumbbell is not pulling your body to one side. So your body should be straight.
• Option 2: Do the same as option 1, but also lift your left leg up. This intensifies the pose.

If you cannot balance on the side of your foot, feel free to try this with your top foot in front of the other on the floor as well. Whichever option you choose, hold the pose for 30 seconds, and repeat on the other side.

Cheers Eights & Weights!