CORE – Leg Raises

A strong core is essential for balance and balance is essential for windsurfing. Conclusion? If you want to avoid face-planting into the North Sea, you need to work on your core strength. Our workout begins with leg raises, which are a great exercise for tightening up your core and working off any unnecessary poundage.

1. Start by lying flat on the ground with your hands by your side. Engage your core muscles by clenching your abs and trying to pull your belly button in towards your spine. Begin to raise your legs with slightly pointed toes keeping your head and back on the ground. Do not let your lower back arch upwards away from the floor.

2. Raise the legs further keeping them straight at all times. Again make sure the lower back does not arch up away from the floor and keep your hands tucked in by your side.

3. As you raise your legs to the highest point make sure you lift your hips and your hips only. As you lift give a little clench of your bum and abs to really tuck your hips up in the air. Point your toes towards the sky and try to reach the ceiling. Don’t over extend, just go as far as you can see in this example below and then finish off by lowering your extended legs slowly back down in exactly the same way you brought them up.

Not tough enough for you? Try this advanced option…