Ab Blast with Noodle

Wednesday, August 24 2022

Looking for some noodle ideas to integrate into your classes?  This 20-minute express pool noodle video features four 5-minute segments that target both cardio and core.  Whether you do the entire 20 minutes or just take away a few ideas, noodles are simply the most versatile equipment you could integrate into your classes.    

Ab Blast with Ashley Bishop was designed to provide instructors with noodle ideas to add into their classes.  Noodles and hand buoys and oftentimes the only equipment available in facilities and so we try to post more of these type equipment videos.  
Below is a quick Q & A that provides some insight into Ashley's inspiration for creating this video.

What was the Inspiration behind this express workout? 
Ashley:  Angie Proctor!  Angie had actually suggested I put together an "Ab Blast" workout for virtual IAFC at the start of the pandemic.  I drew from my favorite noodle lesson plans and wanted to create a short, yet spicy core focused noodle workout that was a little outside of the box. 

How can this content be used by Fitmotivation subscribers?  
Ashley:  Instructors can pair this workout with their go-to warm up, do some of their favorite cardio segments without the use of equipment, spend some time on some traditional noodle strength exercises, and then integrate this 20-minute segment at the end with a cool down and stretch. 

Do you have any tips or precautions for doing ab work on a noodle in modified supine position?
Ashley:  Try to keep the spine long with no tension in the cervical spine (back of the neck).  Try to gaze up towards the ceiling/sky, take keep breaths and come out for a break when you need to.  Also, the diamond crunches, which are externally rotated at the hips, are a great way to disengage the hip flexors so that the abdominal muscles do all of the work. 

Any suggestions for noodle size?
Ashley:   Noodles aren't created equal. Some are really dense and thick, and others are flimsy and thin.  It is probably best to start with a less dense noodle and then decide which is best for you.  The larger noodles are also harder to grip and more challenging to float on.

Any thoughts on music & timing?
Ashley:  I love to match movement to the cadence when possible. In the video, I use royalty-free music that is 128bpm.  If the tempo of the movement isn't working for you (or you prefer a more freestyle way of teaching feel free to keep track of the circuits anyway you wish and move through the music. 

Fitmotivation extends their thanks to Ashley for sharing her passion and her content with subscribers. 

 
 
 

Author: Mark Grevelding is the founder of Fitmotivation. He is also a training specialist and consultant with the Aquatic Exercise Association’s (AEA). Mark has been active in the fitness industry for 22 years as a group fitness instructor, personal trainer, international presenter and a continuing education provider for AEA, AFAA & ACE.