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I Tried Halle Berry's Infamous Fitness Friday Core Workout, and My Abs Wouldn't Stop Shaking

13/09/2019 - 12:05 PM

At this point, I know to expect every workout that Halle Berry [1] shares on Instagram to be challenging — that's why I love them. Out of all the workouts she shares, my favourite are her ab workouts [2] because they always incorporate unique moves and they're so hard.

I tried her most recent five-move ab workout [3], and it lived up to my expectations. After doing the first exercise, the crescent moon hand walk with a push-up, I thought to myself, "Damn, she's trying to kill us."

What I really liked about this workout was that all the moves are about stability, which in my opinion makes them that much harder. Core stability is important because it helps protect your spine, can reduce back pain [4], improves movement patterns you do every day, and improves your balance, stability, and posture.

Forewarning: these exercises are advanced, but I've included modifications you can do that will equally challenge your core stability and strength. If you're ready to give Halle's workout a shot — and be left with trembling abs — continue reading.

Halle Berry's 5-Move Core Stability Workout

Crescent Moon Hand Walk With Push-Up

This push-up variation will work your core and abs, according to Halle and her trainer Peter Lee Thomas. Start in a standard push-up position, then walk your right hand to the right, followed by the left hand. Perform a push-up. Continue walking for three to five reps in each direction.

Alternatively, you can perform this exercise in a modified push-up on your knees [7].

Foam Roller Palm Roll-Out

Grab a foam roller and place it on the ground. Come into a high plank [8] position with both palms on top of the foam roller. For more stability, place your feet slightly further than hips-width apart. With control, begin to roll the foam roller forward with your palms. Go as far as you can while maintaining proper form. With control, roll the foam roller back to the starting position. Complete for 30 to 60 seconds.

If this is too advanced, you can perform a high plank or a body saw [9].

Foam Roller Knife Hand Roll-Out

Grab a foam roller and place it on the ground. Come into a high plank [10] position with your forearms on top of the foam roller. For more stability, place your feet slightly further than hips-width apart. With control, begin to roll the foam roller forward with your forearms while maintaining proper form. Then, roll the foam roller back to the starting position. Complete for 30 to 60 seconds.

If this is too advanced, you can perform a body saw [11].

Single-Arm Isolation Plank

If high planks no longer challenge you, try the single-arm isolation plank. Come into a high plank position [12] and lift one arm off of the ground. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

If this is too advanced, you can perform a high plank.

Lateral Crawl Sandbag Drag

Grab a sandbag and place it on the ground to the right of your body. Come into a bear hold position [13]. From here, move laterally to the left (without crossing your hands), grab the sandbag with your left hand, and drag it underneath your body until it is on the left side of your body. Then, move laterally to the right (without crossing your hands), grab the sand bag with your right hand, and drag it to the right side of your body. Complete five to 10 reps.

If this is too advanced, you can perform a bear hold.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/halle-berry-fitness-friday-5-move-ab-workout-review-46617048