CORE ACTIVITY OF THE MONTH

1. COREACTIVITY OF THE MONTH “The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power."~Joseph Pilates

2. Basic Curl Ups(as performed for the Fitnessgram test) ~Lay on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor ~Place your hands flat on the ground at your side ~Place an imaginary orange between your chin and chest….make sure not to squish it and create orange juice ~Using your abs, raise your shoulder blades off the ground and slide your hands forward on the floor ~Slowly return shoulder blades and head to the floor *Note: Heels must remain in contact with the floor during the entire movement! Month of September

3. Bows & Toes (AKA Planks) • In a pushup position, put your forearms on the ground (instead of your hands) • Line up your elbows underneath your shoulders. Toes on the ground. Squeeze your glutes and tighten your abs. • Create a straight, strong line from head to toes…like a plank! See how long you can hold that position. Month of October If you need to, try this variation on your knees

4. Basic Sit Up ~Lay on your back with knees bent and feet on the floor ~Place your hands near your ears ( like ear muffs) ~Place an imaginary orange between your chin and chest….make sure not to squish it and create orange juice ~Using your abs, raise your shoulder blades off the ground ~Keep your elbows out wide (not let them point to the ceiling) ~Keep your eyes focused forward/above ~Return shoulder blades slowly to the floor

5. Oblique Twists • Obliques are your “side abs” They allow you to twist, turn, and bend! With knees bent, and back at a 45 deg. Angle, rotate torso from side to side, trying to touch elbows to the floor 30 times. Make sure to follow your hands with your eyes, instead of looking straight ahead! Challenge: Lift your feet off of the floor! Month of November