Exercise No.2: Push-Up Variation
Tired yet? We're just getting started. From the first position it's time to work the upper part of the core.
Nugent continues: "Then from the plank position, you do a pushup. So you're in the plank position then your right hand goes down, then your left hand goes down to the ground. After that you push up and reverse that on the way back down."
"This will really work your core."
More: 6 Exercises for a Balanced Body
Exercise No.3: The Extra Mile
As if that wasn't enough abuse, Scott has Nugent go even farther with the push-up variation by singling out the arms by themselves.
During the final exercise, and still in plank position with his forearms on the floor, Nugent will push up onto his left hand, and then the right, so that he has assumed pushup position. "Then I'll drop back down to my left forearm, and then the right, and repeat."
There's No Stability in Triathlon
To replicate the chaotic physical environment of triathlon, of which core strength can play huge part in tackling, Scott will also have Nugent perform basic exercises in an unstable environment.
For example, Nugent will complete lunges with his right foot on a fit disc, forcing his body to recruit almost every muscle in his legs in order to remain stable.
"The goal of functional training is to make sure that things that I'm doing in the weight room, outside of my traditional swim-bike-running workouts, will translate into improved performance," said Nugent. "And, believe me, it works."
More: How to Build Strength With a Stability Ball
Find your next triathlon.