By Ted Spiker

From the February 2010 issue of Runner's World

Exercises that challenge gravity and simulate the demands running makes on your muscles are called balance exercises. "Balance training recruits the muscles you use while running and gives you the ability to properly catch yourself, with minimizes the chance of fatigue or injury," says trainer Nancy Cummings, Ed.D., C.S.C.S., professor at Florida Southern College.

We created the following exercise routine to challenge your balance-and build your abs-in a variety of ways. You should perform the workout twice a week. For an example of how to perform each exercise, click on the short demonstrations below. Ready to take the next step? Purchase the entire workout at iTunes to work along with our expert trainer anywhere, anytime.

 

Watch Runner's World videos on how to perform the Alphabet Plank, Ball Plank, Tick Tock, Samurai Chop, Karate Kid, Abs Matrix and the Cheerleader.