Let’s take a little break and shift out focus to some core strength today:
First let’s talk about why we want to keep our core strong because we use our core strength for many day to day movements:
You use your core muscles a lot!
Waking up and getting out of bed to start the day? Yep! Not without a sturdy core.
Pushing a grocery store cart across the parking lot? Your core will make that happen.
Fighting off ninjas who just discovered your secret identity? Karate kicks require a strong core.
haha those are just a few things… our core also helps out posture and withought a strong core, you will have weak back muscles and it’s harder to hold good posture
strong cores also help with digestion believe it or not! They build the muscles that reside around your stomach and intestines to enable healthy digestion.
now what exactly is your core… yes not just your abs:
SOME OF THE MUSCLES FOUND IN YOUR CORE INCLUDE:
Erector spinae: this is the muscle around your spine and helps you stand up straight.
Rector abdominis: better known as your “abs.”
Obliques: these are found on the sides of your torso and help you twist (and shout).
Gluteal muscles: also known as your “glutes” or “butt” or “bum” or “ass” or – okay, you get the point – which connects your legs to your core.
The core muscles really are the foundation of the human body. And much like building a house, when it comes to fitness, you need to start with a strong foundation.
so here are some moves you can add (and dont worry we have a nice core challenge next month 😉)
#1) PLANK
Your entire core is engaged in a plank, as you stabilize yourself in a straight line (don’t sink)!
If you can’t quite support yourself into a full plank, have no fear, you can start with…
Example:
#2) KNEE PLANK
Just like a regular plank, but you have your knees for support. Start with these until you can do the real thing.
Example:
#3) HIP BRIDGE
The hip bridge will activate the glutes and the rest of your core as you bring your body up.
Example:
#4) THE HOLLOW BODY HOLD
example:
The hollow body is one of the best ways to engage the midsection and stabilize the body.
#5) THE HOLLOW BODY ROCKING
Example: same concept of #4 but rocking more back and forth
These 5 exercises will go a long way towards developing serious core strength.