Happy & Healthy

Simone will surely help you get that tight belly for next summer...

Everyone in the gym is talking about ‘core stability’. Very nice and all, but what is it and why is core stability the new black? Why? Because it is said to reduce your stress, but also because it is a much nicer way to get a flat belly. Look, that sounds nice.

‘How many crunches do you actually do per day?’ my neighbor asked while I was recovering from a little workout with sweat on my forehead. Crunches? Core stability then, girlfriend.

Crunches or sit-ups, they always seemed the fastest way to a flat belly.

Yet we can scratch those from now on (thank goodness). Unfortunately, that doesn't mean we can stay in bed ten minutes longer. No, I have something else for you. Now this sounds like a kind of gift, but I know very well that you, like me, would rather stay in bed ten minutes longer.

We are going to work on our core. That is your torso, hip, and pelvic region. Stability says something about stability, so do your exercises where the core needs to be stabilized. A good balance and stability are the keywords for a healthy and strong body. Doing core stability exercises for ten minutes three times a week works wonders and the best part of these exercises is that you will see results very quickly. Now I can imagine that you can't wait to get started (just kidding).

There are thousands of exercises with which you can train your core, with or without aids. Below are five of my favorite exercises. Lucky you, because you don't have to go out in the cold for this. Can be done in the living room or next to your bed...

The plank (three times thirty seconds, possibly extending to three times a minute)

Yes, you can do this anywhere. In the kitchen, next to your desk, in line at the checkout (okay, maybe don't do that)... With this exercise, you engage your entire belly and at the same time, you have to find your balance. Not heavy enough? Then raise one arm and leg while keeping your body straight. Hold this for ten seconds and then switch sides.

Side plank (the same as the plank, but of course on both sides)

This is a variation of the normal plank. The difference is that with this variation you train your lateral abdominal muscles a bit more. Lie on your side and make sure the top hip is above the bottom hip. Now push yourself up so that a straight line runs from your feet, along your hips, and up to your head. Keep your elbow under your shoulder. Lower yourself down in a controlled manner and repeat the exercise on the other side.

Superman (ten repetitions with holding for five seconds each)

This exercise is very good for your back. Lie on your stomach and lift your body with outstretched arms and legs. Hold this for five seconds and slowly return to the stomach position. The further you lift your body, the harder and heavier it becomes.

Bridge (three sets of twenty repetitions with a minute's rest in between)

Lie on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Squeeze your glutes together. Then push your hips up until a straight line runs through your knee and hip to your upper body, while your shoulders remain resting on the floor. Then return to the starting position. A perfect exercise for those highly sought-after tight buttocks. And, you can just do this in front of the TV.

At least you won't miss the repeat of the expedition tonight... You happy, me happy. You'll see that you become just as fit as the expedition participants.