Plank and Bicycles--Good Core Pair

by Dave
(Colorado, USA)

My standard ab workout relies on doing extended planks (90-120 seconds) as well as long runs of bicycle crunches (up to 5 or six sets of 50). Planks and bicycles are two of the best core exercises, IMO.

I usually run them in alternate sets -- starting with bicycle crunches, than a "break" doing the plank (which is hardly a break at all, of course, but it is a bit of a cardio resting period). Then repeat three or four times.

I've found that really pushing myself to the max at these kinds of activities really increases my enjoyment of them, as well as the results I see. The longer and harder I push on them, the more I feel endorphins kick in as well.

To work on my back muscles, I mostly rely on machines, like the back extension. Using that machine has always helped my posture (a big problem, considering I sit at a desk working on a laptop for 60 hours a week)