Core workouts are one of my favorite things to do, but I’ve mentioned before that I really only do two or three core exercises per workout and even then not every workout. Five minutes a couple of times a week is plenty, and one way I like to switch things up is to use paper plates. So today I bring to you….. drum roll…. 3 core exercises using paper plates. Also links contained in this post may be affiliate links, because a girl has to make some cash to support the website hosting, and my new camera addiction (I recently bought a Canon DSLR and GoPro Session!). I’ll be doing reviews on those suckers soon!
If you’ve never used paper plates to workout you are truly missing out, and don’t worry I’ll be sharing more of these types of workout in the future because I believe in helping my friends out (that’s you!). So I know that some of you might be thinking… what if I don’t have carpet floors? Well simple, use shower caps or microfiber cloths work very well too. Anything slippery will do. Whatever it is, grab two of them and hit the floor! The full video is below, but if you want to watch it on YouTube click here, and don’t forget to subscribe!
3 Core Exercises using Paper Plates
So if you haven’t used paper plates before let’s break down the exercises in case you don’t want to watch the video I took time creating for you all… it’s ok I can take it. Anyway each exercise works the core, either by stabilizing or contracting, and some are tougher than they look so be sure to build up your reps and sets gradually. Try to start with 1 set of 10 reps and build up from there. Again I don’t do a lot of core at all, abs are built in the kitchen!
Plate Push Plank
Starting in a pushup position, place one plate behind the right hand. Using the right hand push the plate over towards the left hand, and return the hand back down to the floor. Repeat with the left hand pushing the plate over to the right. The important thing here is that the core is tight, and the hips move as little as possible.
Side Plank Sweep
Now this one is fun, tough but fun! With a plate under each foot come into a plank, at the top of your push up. Draw the right knee towards the chest then sweep the leg through to the left side coming into a side plank, option to raise the left arm up. Right leg sweeps in, and back out behind you. Repeat on the left side to complete one rep.
Mountain Climbers
I think everyone knows what a mountain climber is, but… Again starting in that push up position and plates under the feet. One knee comes towards the chest and then the other. You can get up some nice controlled speed using the plates!
Tired of you plates ripping?
If you get tired of paper plates ripping, or finding bits of your plates all over the carpet? Then I suggest investing in a more permanent option of Valslides or my preferred item… furniture movers. These little gadgets are plastic with a foam pad to place your foot on. The pink Valslide on the left runs just under $30 a pair… the furniture movers are the same thing just in a dull grey brown and 2 pairs are under $10! I use the furniture movers with clients and they work perfectly so I can definitely vouch that they are the same thing. I just saved you $20, you’re welcome!
Discussion:
I hope you try at least one of these Core Exercises using Paper Plates!!! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve used paper plates in a workout before. Or if you’ve used valslides and are now thinking furniture movers are a better investment! Also tell me what workouts and blog posts you’d like to see more of.
Until next time… stop complaining, start training and #noexcuses!
Di
10 tips towards better Sleep
Freya Osborne
WOW!
Great collection of Plank Workout.But, these are really hard to practice.
Anyway, thanks for sharing some awesome Planks
Karen Coghlan
Hello Di… I love your exercise workouts… Thank you for taking the time to post about them….
Donah @ SJB
Omg! I never would have thought using paper plates in my workout. This is truly amazing and interesting. Of course, I’m trying this out.
Brittany Fryman
I’ve never heard of paper plates for a workout before but this is ingenious! I love including planks in my core workouts so I will add this variation. Thanks for sharing.
Whitney S. @ Fabulous in Fayette
I have seen this exercises done before, but I never would have thought to use something we all have around the house – paper plates!!
Amanda
What a unique way to use paper plates! I’ve got to try some of these workouts.
CourtneyLynne
Ooooo these are some really great exercises!!! I’m all about home workouts so I will have to give them a try!
Heather
I am slightly concerned that if I did those mountain climbers with paper plates I might fall flat on my face 🙂 It looks like fun though!
HilLesha
I need to do more of these type of exercises to help improve my balance. Thanks for sharing these innovative techniques!
Amanda Love
I never thought about exercising using paper plates, that’s brilliant and it could save you some equipment as well. Thanks for the tutorial, that’s really amazing.
MyTeenGuide
This is very interestting. I’ve never heard of exercises using paper plates. This is something I’d like to try.
Rebecca Bryant
Wow!! what a really cool idea in a workout routine! Paper plates as markers! I love how easy it is and what a difference it will make for your core!
Blythe Alpern
I’ve tried this before and it really does challenge you. I also feel like using paper plates on carpet makes it easier to really do some of these exercises. Sometimes the combination of carpet and sneakers can get in the way.
Charlotte
Mountain climbers are out to kill me! haha but they are ok once I have done them, I love the paper plates idea, definitely a frugal way to mix things up a bit!
Roxanne
What?! That is so awesome! I can’t wait to try this out!
Mrs. AOK
I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT TO DO THIS!! You’re a genius! I think this can totally help me with mountain climbers 🙂 I cannot wait to see my husband’s face when I take paper plates with me to our gym (our garage).
I just hope I can do this correctly without busting my face. 😀
karen
Wow – what a really creative idea in ones workout routine! Paper plates as markers! I love how easy it is and what a difference it will make for your core!
jill conyers
Love this Di. I have the furniture movers and they work wonderfully for workouts.
Kim
I use furniture sliders and my Husband thinks I’m nuts! But it’s an awesome tool that is cheap. These exercises are classics too.
Suzanne Spiegoski
Planks and mountain climbers are such great core-strengtheners. Thanks for sharing this fun workout regiment!