Ok, ladies. Let’s talk fitness. I am in no way an expert and if you already have an awesome routine working for you, you may want to stop right here. Today’s post is all about sneaking in an epic core workout for the lazy girl. So many of you email me asking what I do. Kick boxing and hiking are my two passions but I am very inconsistent. No matter what, I do this easy routine every day.
MY WORKOUT TRUTH
Here is the deal. The other day it occurred to me that while my cardio may be far from great and my arms need toning right now, the core is solid. The only reason is because I sneak in this ten minute routine once or twice a day. If I hike or box, then I will do it after that. But truth be told, during the holidays I didn’t do squat but I still snuck this in while watching TV. Even if I skip all the other workouts, I have found this to really work so I wanted to pass it along. Again I am no expert. Just an ordinary mom hoping to pass along something that can work for you, too.
Side note. LOVE these new leggings. I really appreciate that Zella leggings hold their color through washes. There isn’t any of that faded black that can happen. They just fit in all of the right places, too. I really like the stripes on this new style. These are also fit really well. More of a silky feel and very lightweight. They have cute mesh cutouts along the sides.
Favorite Legging Styles (some on sale)
This workout originated from ballet exercises which are all so great for your core. This won’t look like much, but I promise that if you do it daily you’ll feel a huge difference in the tightness of your muscles and strength throughout your core.
THE ROUTINE
It’s super important to keep your core engaged at all times. Keep your posture strong and shoulders back throughout all of these leg lifts. Do not arch the back when you do the back leg lifts. You are essentially doing leg lifts like you would at the barre in ballet.
STEP BY STEP
Front leg Lift: While engaging the core, extend the right leg out and rotate it so you can see your entire foot. Point your toe and lift your leg as high as you can without breaking your posture. Keep your knee slightly bent. Speed is your enemy. Slow and controlled leg lifts help engage that core.
Back Leg Lift: While engaging the core, stand with the right leg extended back. Turn the knee out so your foot is pointing to the right. Toe should be resting comfortably on the ground. Slowly raise while keeping your posture and slowly place back on the ground. Keep your knee slightly bent. Slow and controlled movements.
Ballet Plies: if you are not familiar with these, squats are great too. Essentially I stand with my feet shoulder width apart and plie slowly ten times. This fully engages the abdomen, thighs, back, and booty.
My Core Workout:
- Front leg lift (10 reps each side)
- Back leg lift (10 reps each side)
- 10 Ballet plies with legs shoulder width apart ( or squats)
- repeat 2 more times
- Plank for one minute
- Rest 30 seconds
- Plank for one minute
leggings | top | shoes | water bottle
Planking: The end of the workout is always two planks. If you are new to planking, you may want to start with 30 second intervals. Be sure when you are on the ground, your back is straight and you are engaging your core the entire time.
CUTE GEAR
This top is really really soft and a perfect weight for over a sports bra. It comes in three different colors and I am wearing a size small. I’ve had my shoes for a while now but these look so comfortable and cute. This sweatshirt is 40% off and great to throw over a tank or sports bra when it’s chilly. More cute styles are linked at the bottom of the post.
Listen. I am an unpredictable mess when it comes to working out. I really am. I am all about it and then I let it all go. But no matter what, this little core workout has become a habit for over 2-3 years now and it really does work for me. Please let me know if you try it. I can’t sit still for very long so watching tv and doing this is a great combination for me. Or I do it right after I box. If you give it a try, let me know in a couple of weeks if you notice a difference! The key is consistency.
Let’s get moving, sweet friends!
*affiliate links used
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Hi Courtney,
Love this idea of this simple core workout. I also really like the grey nike tank youre wearing in this post. Do you mind telling me what size you purchased? Trying to figure out what size I should order.
Thanks!
Thank you! Of course. It’s a small and fits really well. Hope that helps. It’s so soft. Have a great day.
You look fabulous!! Ok, I’ve been really bad. I have not gotten back to the gym since Christmas! I do a ton of walking and hiking daily with our dog but no excuse for the rest of my excercises! Life has been so hectic for the last few weeks…no excuse! I am definitely going to try your core excercises!! I needed this push Courtney. Maybe I’ll treat myself to a pair of Zella leggings, too. Do you go with an xs or s in those?
I am going to give this a try! It’s so simple and quick, even I , the ultimate Procrastor-Master, will have a hard time coming up with excuses not to follow through! Thanks for sharing!
Courtney, Thank you for another great post. Do you bend your leg when you lift your leg? It appears to be bended in the pictures.
Hi! Thank you!!! Great question. Yes! Keep the knee slightly bent The key is opening your leg and having your knee pointing outward. Slow and steady lifts. Let me know if you have any questions. xo
I wish you could post a video. 🙂
Thank you for the tip! I keep reading it over and over again trying to figure out exactly what the moves are.
Oh I didn’t mean to over complicate it. Just be sure to keep your back and body straight. Only lift the leg and do what’s comfortable. On the front leg lift, bend your knee slightly and the knee should be facing outward. You’ll feel it in your thigh, booty, and core. I will try and post an InstaStory soon.