Hi Everyone!
It’s time to start a new week! That means it’s a brand new day to start out strong and get in a great workout. This is a throwback workout, but I am also filming a new workout today. It will be up either tonight or early tomorrow.
This workout incorporates moves to strengthen your midsection from every angle to create a strong, slim and balanced core, while also burning fat. When you work the core it is important to recruit the muscles from the front, side and back of your abdomen to get visible results.
A strong core will help you have better form and posture, and protect your spine during daily activities. Jesse enjoyed this workout as well, and finds that keeping his core strong helps with his running form, speed and endurance. For runners a strong core means you can maintain form during longer and faster runs, which makes your stride more efficient.
Yesterday Jesse and I both took advantage of the weather (66 Degrees F in Pittsburgh during February is basically unheard of!) and ran outside. Jesse got in 13.1 Miles, and incorporated speedy mile repeats into his workout. I ran 4 miles and finished with a 1 mile walking cool down. My running paces have slowed down because I am now 21-weeks pregnant, but running feels fantastic.
Baby Bender is already super active. Jesse has been able to feel him kicking since about 19-weeks, and every day I notice him moving around more and more. Exercise and cardio are great for both baby and mother during pregnancy.
21 Weeks and 3 Days Pregnant: Easy Paced Run, Followed by 1 Mile Walk.
I hope that you all enjoy today’s workout! See you later with a new one!
Melissa
PS You can find me on Instagram & Twitter: @BenderFitness and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MelissaBenderFitness
Click the link to get your own Gymboss Interval Timer!
Set your timer for 10 Rounds of 40/50.
-High Knees
1. Plank Crunch
-High Knees
2. Plank Jack Pushup
-High Knees
3. Side Plank Reach Through (right)
-High Knees
4. Side Plank Reach Through (left)
-High Knees
5. Rainbow Plank (right)
-High Knees
6. Rainbow Plank (left)
-High Knees
7. Down Dog Cross & Lift (right)
-High Knees
8. Down Dog Cross & Lift (left)
-High Knees
9. Pushup to Hip Thrust (alternating)
-High Knees
10. Knee Drop Plank
Repeat 1-3X
Optional: Pair with 15-30 Minute Run or Cardio of Choice.
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| High Knees |
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| Plank Crunch |
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| Plank Jack |
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| Side Plank Reach Through |
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| Rainbow Plank: Part 1 |
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| Rainbow Plank: Part 2 |
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| Down Dog Cross & Lift: Part 1 |
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| Down Dog Cross & Lift: Part 2 |
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| Pushup to Hip Thrust: Part 1 |
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| Pushup to Hip Thrust: Part 2 |
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| Knee Drop Plank |
Hi Melissa! Thank you for staying so consistent on your site while I’m sure you have a million other things going on right now. I would love to see some yoga while you are pregnant. I love your high intensity workouts but have really taken to yoga lately and would be interested to see your pregnancy modifications. Do you still teach yoga weekly?
I do, and I just really started modifying some poses during last week’s class (the class still did the full versions, thanks to Jesse for demonstrating). I will plan a yoga video day. 🙂
What app are you using in your picture with your mile breakdown?
This is now one of my FAVORITE workouts for abs and HIIT! I substituted high knees with high knee jump rope… Shoulders burning for sure with all the planks! Thanks, Melissa, for all you do. Can’t wait to see Baby Boy Bender! 🙂
Awesome substitution! High Knees Jump Rope is a great way to increase the challenge!