How To Perform The Inchworm Exercise

ByMike Collins

Strengthen your core to bridge upper and lower body. Inchworm exercises are like painting a sturdy bridge – improving posture, circulation, digestion, and even relieving stress. Imagine yourself as Indiana Jones inching across a mine for the treasure at the end – no strain but thrilling discovery! Don't underestimate this simple exercise's power.

The inchworm is like a caterpillar slowly spinning its cocoon. As you inch forward and back, you strengthen your muscles like the caterpillar weaving its protective layer. When you finish, you'll be ready to burst forth into a whole new world of strength!

Exercise Tutorial

  1. Imagine your spine is a ruler, and your ribs are the markings on the ruler. Lock them down into place with an exhaled breath, as if you were measuring something. Keep your tailbone tucked in and your ribs pulled down like a vice grip, so they don't move an inch throughout the movement.
  2. Reach out as far as you can, like trying to grab a treasure at the end of a rainbow, but keep your attention on what's between your hands and feet. Don't let yourself lose tightness in your abs or arch in your back – I've seen grown men try this exercise and end up flat on their faces!
  3. Retract your hands and feet back together, but don't rush it. Think of it as a gentle retreat to preserve the power you just created. You must have precision and control every movement – that's what an inchworm apart from all creatures!
  4. Now that you've practiced the subtle art of inchworming, use this newfound strength to conquer what lies ahead! You'll be the envy of your gym pals with this effective (and amusing) exercise.

Picture your spine as a tightrope stretched across the sky, with your ribs and abs like a sturdy pole. As you inchworm down to the ground, imagine that pole keeping its balance so neither of your ends will ever fall. This is how you'll keep tension in your abs throughout this exercise – like an acrobat on a rope, you'll stay in control the whole way.

Good luck, and enjoy your new inchworming skills!