Flat Belly Circuit

First, we want to remind everyone that "abs are made in the kitchen" which means that you really need to eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle in order to see your abs. Doing an ab workout 1,000 times isn't going to get you there! However, it is important to have overall strength and that includes your core...so we introduce to you our Flat Belly Circuit! You can add this to the end of one of your weight workouts or do it on your rest day. It goes perfectly with our She Sweats workouts!

Don't forget to try out Combat Abs too!

- Whitney

Whittle Your Waist with 5 Different Planks {Plus 2 Cardio Planks}!

Planks work all muscle groups in your core (plus help strengthen your entire body) and you can pretty much do them ANYWHERE (gym, home, hotel, airport, restaurant, etc). We've introduced a few different types of planks in our Plank Challenges and we even have a daily Plank Challenge as part of our workout plans. Below are the descriptions so you can get planking!

Updated: 1/21/18 to include new pictures and descriptions :)

5 Planks to Whittle Your Waist

1. Standard Plank - Get into a push-up position but stay on your forearms.  Pull your abs in while keeping your back straight.  Hold this position for the desired amount of time.  Tip: Make sure your back is straight and your bottom does not stick up too far in the air!

See the picture below for more information and visit this post on how to plank!

2. Side Plank - Similar to a standard plank but you will be holding the standard plank on both sides. Get into standard plank position and then turn to the left or right.  Hold your abs in to really engage your core.  After holding for the desired about of time switch sides.

3. Knee to Elbow Planks - Get into push-up position.  You will basically be "crunching" on each side. Tip: Keep your chest and bottom up.  Don't let your back round or your shoulders slump forward.

4. Up, Up, Down, Down Planks - This one is a tough one!  Start in standard plank position.  Push up and extend your arm with your right side and then your left side. Once you are in plank position with your arms fully extended, lower back down on your forearms starting with your right arm and then your left arm.  Continue for the desired amount of reps.  Tip: You need to swap the hands you start with each time. You could also think about this as a low plank to high plank.

5. Plank Side Walk - Get into push-up position.  Cross your right hand over your left hand and move your left foot to the left.  Tip: You hands will come together as your feet move apart.

2 Cardio Planks {To change things up a bit!}

1. Mountain Climbers - Get into push-up position and stay there.  When you are ready to begin, bring each knee up to your chest quickly (like you are sprinting) but stay on your hands. Move quickly.

2. Plank Jacks - Get into push-up position.  Jump your feet out like you are doing a jumping jack. Lightly land on your toes then return to starting position.  Move quickly.

Let us be your personal trainers with our detailed 4, 6 and 12-week She Sweats Workout plans! We guide your workout each day, telling you exactly what to do and what intensity to work at. We have everything you need! Find out more!

Choosing the Right Sports Bra for You

We have all seen those cute little sports bras that look more like something you may want to sleep in vs. something you could actually break a sweat in. They look adorable and for a moment, you may consider them, but will they really give you the support you need to really kick your workout up a notch?

Cup Size REALLY does matter! (Okay, only in the world of buying bras people!) Take this guide along next time you go shopping for a sports bra.

How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

A-B Cups

Smaller chested women can really wear any sports bra, however, the activity type will be one of the most important factors here. Compression-type sports bras are ideal for women with A or B cups - either scoop back or racer back. Bear in mind that you will have more support with a racer back and thicker straps. So if you are running, you may opt for a racer back with larger straps vs. a cute thin-strapped scoop back bra for Pilates or barre class.

Compression Scoop Back Sports Bras
Compression Racer Back Sports Bras

C-D Cups

Ladies that are a little bustier than their A-B friends, will need to pay more attention to the coverage area that their sports bra provides. Women that are a little bustier may benefit from a combination compression and encapsulation sports bra. Again, function is everything when you are thinking about sports bras - wear your most movement minimizing bra for higher impact workouts like HIIT or step aerobics. Keep the lower-coverage bras for lifting weights or yoga.

Compression/Encapsulation Combination Sports Bras

 DD+ Cups

If you are bustier, you may have a hard time finding a bra that actually minimizes your movement no matter what activity you are participating in. For women with larger D or DD and larger cup sizes, the key to your sports bra is encapsulation! You need a sports bra in a high performance fabric that's actually made similarly to your everyday bras - with two molded cups and thick, dependable straps.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Need a little extra help with incorporating strength training with your runs? Don't want to think about your workouts? Let us be your personal trainers with our She Sweats 12-week Run Builder and increase your mile time. It guides your workout each day and has everything you need! Find out more!