Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared details about how to improve your core strength based on different parts of your core – upper core, lower core, rotational core, and obliques.
Once you have a solid foundation with your core, you’ll be ready to take your workouts up a notch. Today we’re going to look at some advanced core exercises.
Remember, your core is more than just the six pack abs people often think about when discussing their core. Your core includes muscles in the front, back, and sides of your torso. It helps stabilize and balance the entire body, and strengthening your core – and keeping it strong – can help prevent injuries and other problems.
Core strength is critical for your balance, posture, and all functional movement. Strengthening your core will help make all exercises more efficient. It also helps athletes with their performance, no matter the sport.
Advanced Core Exercises
V Ups: Lay flat on your back and stretch your arms back over your head. Pull yourself up, bringing the back off the ground first with the arms stretched out. Bring your legs up and have your toes and hands meet.
Dead Bugs: Lay on your back, bring your legs up off the ground and bend your knees at 90 degrees. Make sure your knees are over your hips. Put your arms straight up in the air. Extend one arm back towards the ground over your head while extending the opposite leg straight out. Reach for full extension while keeping your core engaged. Keep the lower back on the ground at all times. Make this exercise harder by adding an exercise ball and squeezing it with the arm and leg.
Planks: Using your elbows and feet, lift up off the ground. Keep your elbows directly under your shoulders and engage your core while keeping your back straight. See how long you can hold this position.
Why You Should Focus on Your Core Strength
No matter your fitness level or goals, your core should be part of your health and fitness plan.
Core strength is about more than what you look like. It improves your overall health, strength, and mobility. Your core prevents falls as you age, it prevents injuries when you’re working out or carrying something heavy, and it promotes good posture.
Your core is the foundation for other exercises too. If you’re planning to follow a workout routine of any kind, your core allows you to support heavier weight and perform various movements under stress.
As you age, your core strength helps prevent muscle loss. A strong core also helps you maintain your independence safely.
At Uno’s Fitness, we believe your core is so important that we incorporate core exercises into every single workout with our clients. If you want to improve your overall fitness level, prevent injuries, improve your balance and posture
Leave a comment