One of the most cliche things that I hear people say is that "You need to strengthen your CORE" or "That's really good for your CORE" or "blah blah blah frigging CORE". Part of me wants to say "thanks" and that OTHER part of me wants to say "do YOU know what a CORE is?"
Oversimplified, your Core is the band of muscles from your knees up through your shoulders, front and back. Wikipedia's definition of Core reads, ". . . major muscles of the core reside in the area of the belly and the mid and lower back (not the shoulders), and peripherally include the hips, the shoulders and the neck. . .". The Core is used to balance and stabilize your body. Frankly, if you do any sort of real work using your body, you are depending on your Core. Seems pretty darned important, doesn't it?
So if your Core is used in every real physical activity we do, how the heck does it get so out of shape?
Wow...tough question. My hypothesis is that most people exercise to either focus on one body part (e.g. Doing bench press or flies) or they focus on one specific cardio activity (e.g. Running) and forget about Core. That can make you more injury prone...which will take you OUT of commission. If you work on your Core, you will reduce the likelihood of injuries when you get into the real world.
What are some simple exercises which can improve my core?
There is a question I can answer! If I had to name the most useful exercises for improving my Core (and frankly, reducing my waistline) , three exercises spring to mind:
* Pushups: There not just for "Grunts" any more. In general they are good for your chest, shoulders and triceps, but to do effective pushups you need to keep your abs and buttocks TIGHT. There are a zillion variations of pushups, including side-planks, which are great for tightening and reducing those love handles.
* Lunges: I love lunges. Forward, backward, sideways, unweighted, weighted, you name it...these puppies are good for you. Your butt, hamstrings, quads, loiter back and and will all get pressed into service when you do lunges. Getting bored? Try doing them on your tip toes...or try incorporating curls or shoulder presses...you'll find that your getting a pretty decent cardiovascular workout at the same time.
* Isometric Ab exercises: These are a little tougher for me to explain, but these are similar to the exercises you soul perform in a yoga class. Some good ones include Boat, Bow, Superman and Banana. These require a lot of discipline, and you will really news to reach and/our squeeze to make them work.
Do you have any good Core exercises you would like to share?
So..next time you are out taking e leaves, carrying bricks, lifting children or even just setting the table, you can thank your Core for always being there. And you can thank me ...by knocking out ten pushups! And ten more for the CORE!
Oversimplified, your Core is the band of muscles from your knees up through your shoulders, front and back. Wikipedia's definition of Core reads, ". . . major muscles of the core reside in the area of the belly and the mid and lower back (not the shoulders), and peripherally include the hips, the shoulders and the neck. . .". The Core is used to balance and stabilize your body. Frankly, if you do any sort of real work using your body, you are depending on your Core. Seems pretty darned important, doesn't it?
So if your Core is used in every real physical activity we do, how the heck does it get so out of shape?
Wow...tough question. My hypothesis is that most people exercise to either focus on one body part (e.g. Doing bench press or flies) or they focus on one specific cardio activity (e.g. Running) and forget about Core. That can make you more injury prone...which will take you OUT of commission. If you work on your Core, you will reduce the likelihood of injuries when you get into the real world.
What are some simple exercises which can improve my core?
There is a question I can answer! If I had to name the most useful exercises for improving my Core (and frankly, reducing my waistline) , three exercises spring to mind:
* Pushups: There not just for "Grunts" any more. In general they are good for your chest, shoulders and triceps, but to do effective pushups you need to keep your abs and buttocks TIGHT. There are a zillion variations of pushups, including side-planks, which are great for tightening and reducing those love handles.
* Lunges: I love lunges. Forward, backward, sideways, unweighted, weighted, you name it...these puppies are good for you. Your butt, hamstrings, quads, loiter back and and will all get pressed into service when you do lunges. Getting bored? Try doing them on your tip toes...or try incorporating curls or shoulder presses...you'll find that your getting a pretty decent cardiovascular workout at the same time.
* Isometric Ab exercises: These are a little tougher for me to explain, but these are similar to the exercises you soul perform in a yoga class. Some good ones include Boat, Bow, Superman and Banana. These require a lot of discipline, and you will really news to reach and/our squeeze to make them work.
Do you have any good Core exercises you would like to share?
So..next time you are out taking e leaves, carrying bricks, lifting children or even just setting the table, you can thank your Core for always being there. And you can thank me ...by knocking out ten pushups! And ten more for the CORE!
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