Today’s Workout: Strong abdominals help with back strain - Salina Journal

Whether it be spring or summer; winter or fall - strong abdominals are always our best accessory. Regardless of bikinis or parkas, our midsection is more for function than vanity.

Basically, the stronger your core and abdominals are, the less strain you put on your back.

Our move today is an oblique side roll. All you will need is a flat surface. This exercise will be working your midsection; more specifically, the outer sides.

Begin this oblique move by lying flat on your back, pressing back into the floor by rotating your hips to engage the midsection. This exercise will require rolling onto your side, then back onto your backside. Make sure you have a little room to move.

Continue on by placing your left hand gently behind your left ear. Pulling your right knee up toward your torso, keep the left one extended. Use your right arm for positioning and stability and you are ready to start moving.

Engage your midsection by crunching in your middle and try to meet your bent elbow to knee. Once you feel sturdy, proceed to roll toward your side with the bent knee.

Once you have reached your deepest movement, return to your starting position.

The key to this exercise is to use your core strength for movement. The stronger your midsection, the less you will have to rely on other muscles to position your body back and forth.

Continue this side roll as many times that you can perform it efficiently; then take a small break, and switch sides.

Keeping your sets equal from side to side, give yourself at least two sets on each side.

If in the beginning this move is too difficult with your knee tucked in, simply perform the move with both legs straight. Then work your way up to tucking the knee in.

This core exercise is a great addition to your abdominal routine, especially to focus on the obliques.

Marlo Alleva, an instructor at Gold’s Gym and group fitness coordinator at Fontaine-Gills YMCA in Lakeland, Florida, can be reached at faluvzpa@msn.com.