STYT Summer Countdown - Day Two

Day Two: More CORE
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Building off of yesterday's post, today we are going to focus again on physical core strength. We are starting off with basic exercises so that we can have a foundation upon which to build more complex and challenging movements.

​Today's physical task: 
3 rounds of planks throughout your day. 
Beginner: 30 seconds of plank 3 times today 
Experienced: 1 minute or more of plank 3 times today

When we refer to our physical core, we are referring to more than just our abs...we are talking about the muscles that stabilize the spine and the pelvis. As you hold your planks today, think about distributing the energy and effort throughout the body. 
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Here are my favorite cues to share with students: 
1. Whether on forearms or hands, pull energy up away from the ground, through arms and into the shoulders. 
2. Keep the neck long as you look forward of your hands and slide the shoulder blades towards the hips (shoulders away from ears). 
3. Pull the navel towards the spine and keep the spine lengthening. 
If you are on your toes...
4. Firm the quads by lifting the kneecaps. 
5. Push away through the heels.

Today's mental challenge: 
Continue to consider what the definition of core and core strength mean to you. Jot down a few notes about your non-physical strength. What are your core strengths? You can write them here or just somewhere private for yourself.
DO YOUR PLANKS TODAY FRIENDS. We have 21 days together and we are going to make the most of it. Get it done. ‪#‎STYT
xo
maria