As you might have noticed, I have a tendency to use “cutesy” titles. Rhyming, Alliterations…I just can’t help myself when I come up with something clever like the “Ab Lab.” When you convert your dorm room (or bedroom) into a personal fitness studio for today’s workout you will have created an Ab Lab ;)

Sometimes workouts need to be quick and convenient. The best go-to exercie for me: CORE! You don’t need any equipment and very little space to work the major muscle group. Core exercises for the Abdominals, Obliques and low back are some of my favorites (the torso twist machine at the gym? So fun.) If you decide to make this a dorm-room workout, you should invite your roommate to join you. Buddy System!

Crank up the music, lay down a towel (sweaty carpet = bad roommate) and get ready for an oh-so-challenging 5 minute Plank Workout:

1. Basic Plank – 30 seconds

2. Right Side Plank – 30 seconds

3. Left Side Plank – 30 seconds

*30 Second Break*

4. Alternating leg raise (as demonstrated below): 10 reps each side

You’re not done yet! 30 second break…

5. Right Side Plank with Hip Raises – 20 reps

6. Left Side Plank with Hip Raises – 20 reps

7. Alternating Leg Raise Plank – 10 reps each side

8. Crank Out 1 Last Basic Plank – 30 seconds

It’s quick, it ain’t easy, but it’s totally building a beautiful core :)

Now that we’ve got that covered, can I show you my “kitchen”? I’ve already told you about the food aspect of preparing for dorm life, but I also came loaded with kitchen supplies to make sure I can cook all the meals I want.

Of course I’ve got the coffee bar. My room would be incomplete without. Space is everything in a micro-sized living situation so organizing everything was so important. After my roommate and I brought out all of our kitchen gear, we assembled into what I call the Kitchen:

The easiest way to ensure you’ll make healthy choices when living on your own is to stock yourself with all the options you’ll need! If you’re starving and grumpy and all that’s left in your fridge is a carton of eggs and some mustard, you’re more likely to run down to the vending machine for some quick food. I always have apples and bananas on hand, plus other snacks and goodies to make sure I’m never in a need-food-now situation that will leave me feeling guilty afterwards.

Can you tell I like organization..?

If you do the PLANK workout, tell me how it went!

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