Christi Marraccini, the head NEO GO instructor at NEO U: Runner’s Crunch
When Marraccini works out without equipment, her favorite exercises are all ones that work her core. Marraccini says, “A strong core is always in style.” This makes sense, since a strong and stable core is important for both everyday movement and working out. Regular crunches only work the upper part of your abs, but runner’s crunches work your entire core as you sit all the way up, along with your obliques, lower back, hip flexor muscles, and rectus abdominis.
- Lay on your back flat. Put your hands lightly behind your head and open your elbows wide to the sides.
- Sit as high as you can so that your back is off the floor. As you sit up, bring your left elbow to your right knee (or as close as you can get it). Keep your left leg straight and a few inches above the ground.
- Lower your back and leg (if you can, don’t let your legs touch the floor) and do the same thing on the other side.
Reps: Marraccini says that three sets of 10 reps is a good place to start. Or, set a timer for 30 seconds and try to do as many reps as you can in that time (AMRAP). Do this three times, taking 15 to 20 seconds to rest between each set.
