The One Ab Exercise You Haven't Done, But Should

Planks are great, especially when performed to a Taylor Swift tune. But, you can't create a strong, firm core from planks alone—you need a toolbox of exercises to pull from.

One move to try is the V Prayer Reach from the team at The Barre Code fitness studios. The gentle move targets your ab muscles, specifically your rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis explains co-founders Ariana Chernin and Jillian Lorenz. And, like the plank, the exercise doesn't require any equipment or much space, so you can try it anywhere, anytime.

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V Prayer Reach

Here's how to do it:

  • Start lying on your back, and raise your legs straight into the air.
  • Separate feet about 1 to 2 feet apart, creating a "V" shape with your legs.
  • Keep your toes pointed.
  • Place your hands in prayer position at the center of your chest.
  • As you exhale, lift your head, shoulders and upper back off the floor.
  • Straighten your arms, sending your hands between your legs. Be sure to keep your chin away from your chest and the shoulders away from the ears.
  • Slowly lower, and do 3 sets of 15 reps.

Image Credit: The Barre Code

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