So, why’s core strength so important? Well, it has nothing to do with sculpting a six-pack we can tell you that.
For as long as crop tops, bikinis, and, well, Jennifer Lopez, has been around there’s been this all-consuming obsession with having a flat lean physique and abs.
Ever been nosey and eavesdrop on personal training sessions at the gym and listen to the client say, “Ugh I just want abs!” Yeah me too (I’m that client).
Don’t get us wrong, it’s really important to have a strong core. But it’s time we change the average perspective that when of core strength we picture six-pack abs and an endless number of sit-ups.
At the end of the day, everything from daily tasks like cleaning your room, putting on your shoes and athletic exercises all depend on your core muscles and that’s why we’re all about it!
The stronger your core muscles are the stronger, the better you’ll perform in every everyday activity.
Enough chatter, let’s get down to business. Core Strength: why we’re all about it
Benefits of a Strong Core
Having a strong core won’t only improve how you do core workouts but will also make a huge impact on your overall physical well-being.
First, think of your core as a muscular corset that stabilizes your body as a whole. A strong core strengthens and improves your torso’s stabilization.It also benefits your body by improving balance, coordination, posture, and brainpower.
As the back and abdominal area become stronger and stronger, your body’s balance and coordination significantly improve. This teaches the muscles to work together efficiently and effectively.
Core Strength: How do we build it?
Wanting core strength doesn’t mean doing hundreds of crunches. Instead, you’ve got to focus on core stability and being able to activate all your core muscles properly throughout your day to day activities and exercises.
With a strong core comes discipline. Let’s join in on the fun exercises like Cycling, Yoga, Pilates, Kickboxing, and Rowing.
Whether it’s your favorite group cycling class, or your go-to yoga pose or class instructor you won’t even notice the effect it has in strengthening your core because of all the fun!
If you’re a proud yogi fan or are interested in starting up a yoga habit check out our blog on Beginners Guide To Yoga
Why Nutrition is important?
Yes, shocker, we need to eat healthily to maintain a strong core. With all the effort you’ve put into toning your core, and for all the cupcakes and brownies you’re going to have to give up to maintain it, in the long run, it’ll be worth it.
At the end of the day, it’s not about cutting out foods from your diet. Yup! It’s about the portion sizes consumed throughout each meal.
Having 3 well-balanced meals a day will get the job done (maybe add in a snack or two). It’s all about portion control and filling your place with whole, energy-dense foods like lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables.
Top Core Exercises
Plank (aka the longest minutes of your life)
"Holding the plank position takes strength and endurance in your abs, back, and core. The plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning, yet it also works your glutes and hamstrings, supports proper posture, and improves balance.
In addition, there are many progressions that can be done from a standard plank hold."
—Julie Diamond, Burn 60 master trainer
Rest your forearms on the floor with your elbows directly underneath your shoulders and hands facing forward.
Extend your legs out behind you and rest your toes on the floor. Form one straight line from your shoulder to heels. Squeeze your whole body and hold.
High Boat to Low Boat
This exercise strengthens the hip flexors and abdomen and truly makes you feel the burn in those abs. It’s always a challenge, which proves that it’s working those abs to the lean figure you want.
Sit up straight with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Keeping your legs together, lift them off the floor until their at about a 45- degree angle to your torso.
Reach your arms straight out in front of you parallel to the floor.
Hold for 3 seconds. Then lower your body so that your legs are a few inches off the floor. Hold for 3 seconds, then repeat.
Side Plank Dips
This exercise activates the deep core muscles and obliques it also works with your arms and back. The best part is that it could be done pretty much anywhere.
Start in a side plank then drop your hip toward the floor and raise it back to the starting position.
Supine Toe Tap
Talk about lower ab BURN! This exercise engages your core muscles while working with your glutes, hips, and legs.
The first start on your back then lift your legs. Make sure your knees are bent to 90-degrees. Place your hands at your sides and tighten your core.
Lower your left foot and tap the floor while keeping your right leg up. Raise your right leg to the start point. Repeat with your right leg.
Oblique Twist
Also known as a Russian twist, this exercise is very effective for core strength. The plus of this is that the medicine ball adds a little challenge.
Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Squeeze your arbs and sit in a 45-degree angle.
Hold the medicine ball with both hands and twist slowly from your torso to your right and touch the floor with the medicine ball. Do the same thing to the other side of you. Repeat
Well...core strength: why we’re all about it
All in all, having a strong core is just half of the equation. Remember that with a strong core comes commitment, dedication, and proper eating habits.
It’s important to try to kick in some quick 15-minute core-strengthening sessions each week.
It’s all about being consistent and have discipline to get that strong core game on.
