Health Advocate Blog

Workout of the Week: Banana Abs

Banana Abs

This week’s workout, Banana Abs, focuses on engaging you core and upper leg muscle groups.  You may be curious what this exercise has to do with a banana…well, if you’re in the correct position while doing the exercise, your body will be in the shape of a banana!  Here’s how to do this exercise:

  • Lie on your back with your feet together–legs straight–and extend your arms above your head.
  • Next, tighten your stomach to engage your abdominal muscles, and with both feet together, elevate your legs about 1-2 feet off the ground.  As you are doing this, raise your head and shoulders off the ground, remembering to keep your arms and legs straight.
  • If you’re doing the exercise correctly, your body will be in the shape of a banana, and you will feel muscles being worked all the way up and down your stomach.
  • Hold this position for 1-2 seconds and then slowly return to the starting position.
  • Try doing sets of 30-40 reps, or try holding the banana position for 1 minute straight.

Tips:

  • To prevent straining your neck keep your chin up away from your chest.
  • If you feel any abnormal pain in your lower back stop this exercise immediately and talk to your doctor.

Want more fitness ideas?  If you’re a Health Advocate member with access to the Wellness Coaching program, reach out to your Wellness Coach for more healthy ideas to get—and stay—fit.

Remember to talk to your doctor before beginning any type of fitness regimen.