How to Do the Inchworm Exercise: You Will Get Great Results
You train your abdomen, arms, and legs in a single exercise. Too good to be true? Wait and see! The inchworm exercise will make you think again. Ah, we almost forgot: it also works the back muscles…
The inchworm exercise is quite popular among CrossFit practitioners for several reasons:
- It stimulates numerous areas of the body.
- It is simple to do.
- It requires no tools, equipment, or accessories.
- It can be done anywhere and at any time.
It’s an excellent exercise during your workout or even for the warmup. So you really should try it, as long as you are clear on one premise: it won’t be child’s play. Roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work up a sweat because it engages multiple muscle groups. The name “inchworm” is fitting because it mimics the movements of a worm as it inches forward.
The various advantages recognized by personal trainers and lovers of physical activity have allowed its diffusion. To reap the full benefits of this exercise, you need to follow each step carefully. We’ll guide you through these steps, making sure to complete all the details.
Inchworm exercise: steps to follow
Begin by standing with your feet about hip-width apart. Slowly bend forward to touch the ground in front of your feet with your hands. Move with your hands as if you need them for walking so you can use them to support the weight of your body. Keep your upper body still and tighten your buttocks muscles. Ensure your back stays in a natural position without arching or rounding. This is the starting position for the inchworm exercise.
Depending on your fitness level, you can choose to use either your hands or forearms to perform a plank-style position. Maintain a stable plank throughout the exercise, and be careful. You can then return to the starting position by reversing the steps. Basically, you move your hands towards your feet and then lift your torso. Depending on your fitness level, begin with 2 or 3 sets of 10 or 15 repetitions each and gradually increase the difficulty as you progress.