10 Easy Exercises To Get You Fit For Summer

The Exercise: Ah, planks. Not the ridiculous crazy that swept the internet the other year, obviously. Planks are a great way to challenge your core, improve balance, and work your abdominal area. 

Start off in the push-up position, with your hands directly under your shoulders. Make sure that your feet are stable, and you're not wobbling from side to side. Your legs should be working here too and your knees should stay loose. Keep your neck neutral throughout by focusing on a spot on the floor about a foot beyond the hands and keeping your head in line with your back. Hold the position for 20 seconds. 

Make It Harder: As with any exercise, planks get easier over time. Make sure it's still a challenge by gradually increasing the amount of time you're holding the plank for. If you find the standard plank too hard, start out with either your forearms or your knees on the ground to increase your base of support. If you want to make it more of a challenge, try a side plank. 

Easy Workout: Combine planks with the abdominal exercises to really challenge your core. This will help your stability if you're swimming or cycling, and also get a real burn through those stomach muscles. The plank also works your shoulders and biceps, so combining it with tricep dips is a great way to work your upper body.