12 Days of Core-Mas! {2020 Version}

Hey everyone! With the holiday season here, I was inspired by my pal Julie to create another workout video to share after doing this particular routine on Thursday. She's known for doing variations of a "12 Days of Christmas" workout this time of year on her Training & Champagning pages and for our Excellence in Exercise corporate page. I did a version of this for my core class last year and thought it would be fun to do a different variation this year, as well!

Most everyone has heard of the Christmas carol used for inspiration, and the workout scheme basically follows right along as you would expect! Perform 1 Hands to Feet. Then perform 2 X-Body Chops and 1 Hands to Feet. Next move up to 3 One-Sided Bicycles, 2 X-Body Chops and 1 Hands to Feet. Keep adding the next exercise each round until you do all 12 exercises for the full pyramid. It may seem easy at first, but I can assure you by the end you'll be feeling it, especially if you take minimal breaks throughout the workout. You can also start with the reverse for a variation and do 12 Inchworm Step Outs. Then 11 Split Squats with Twist and 12 Inchworm Step Outs, all the way down. Do it as a standalone core workout or tack on to your usual routine.

1 Hands to Feet
2 X-Body Chop*
3 One-Sided Bicycles*
4 High/Low Plank
5 Mountain Climbers*
6 Side V-Ups*
7 Side Plank with Reach*
8 Prone Rows
9 Ankle Taps*
10 Windmills*
11 Split Squats with Twist*
12 Inchworm Step Outs

*All of the starred exercises make sure you do the full count for EACH side before moving to the next. We don't want to be lopsided, right? 😉

You can easily adapt this workout to all different kinds of exercises. If you need any modifications to try this yourself, please ask and I'll be happy to help you find movements that work for your current fitness level! The planks you can easily perform on your knees if need be until you are strong enough to do them with as demonstrated. This is a great one to be able to do at home since you don't need any equipment. Why not get the whole family involved? Remember, working out is a great stress reliever to help keep you sane during the busy holiday season!

As always, consult your doctor if you have any contraindications before starting a new workout regime. This is intended as workout motivation, not an exercise prescription.