Core training is a new focus in our fitness industry. The 90's fitness world was high-impact, step aerobics and cardio mania. It was all about burning off the fat with little concern for the hip, knee and back areas. We learn from the past and now focus on core conditioning in our workout programs.
The word core is defined as the innermost part. The torso, the midsection of the body, or core, is the base of stability from which movement occurs. For the purpose of this article, consider core conditioning training the deep muscles of the spine, pelvis, hip, shoulder and scapula. When standing unsupported, you are limited by your body's weakest link. This weak link is the ability of the core, or midsection, to stabilize the body and not be pulled off balance.
Simply put, you don't build the walls and the roof of your house before the foundation. Your body's source of strength is your core, much like the foundation of a house. When building or toning a strong body, you want to build from the inside out. Build a foundation (your body's core) before you build definition in isolated muscles.
Your body goes through a sequence of movements from the inside out. You literally are unable to do an exercise if your body doesn't start at the core in stabilization. At the core, the rest of your body's natural links (the pelvic and shoulder girdles) transfer the movements and forces to the extremities, allowing you to lift the weight. The smaller joints will need to absorb less stress if your body practices and increases the ability to sequence these movement patterns. Core training respects this integrated approach, allowing the body to work in mass movement patterns and all ranges of motion. Remember, your body is a unit with the entire system working together and every segment in the chain being equally important.
To apply core training principles, instead of thinking of individual muscles, think of body movements. Lunges, squats, pushing, pulling and rotation movement patterns are good examples. When doing any type of exercise hold your abs and lower back firm to give your entire body support and stability.
In the gym we use the physio ball to help develop the core. Properly using the physio ball can enhance balance, stabilization and strength training to a specific area all at one time. We have clients sit on the ball while performing other exercises, which in turn trains the core at the same time. The benefits of core conditioning are injury prevention from daily activities and sports, as well as stronger foundations for general fitness and body building. For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com
Training your core will result in tremendous benefits in a relatively short amount of time. This is because a strong core improves your posture, decreases your chance of injury, increases your power and functionality, and gives you a great-looking lean midsection.
Core training is rapidly gaining popularity for one specific reason: sitting leads to a weak core.
Think about your typical work day. If you are like most people then your day starts with a 30-60 minute drive to work, followed by 8 hours at your desk and then another 30-60 minute drive home. That's a lot of sitting. And it all adds up to one thing: a weak core.
What is Core Training?
The term "core" refers to the muscles of your abdominals and those of your lower back. If you picture your body and then aim for the very center you would be looking directly at your core. The muscles that make up the core play a unique role since they provide stabilization for your entire body.
Core training seeks to strengthen the muscles of your abdominal and lower back using coordinated movement. A strong focus is put on contracting your abdominal muscles by pulling your belly button in! toward your spine throughout the exercises to ensure that your core muscles are engaged.
What are the risks of a weak Core?
Unfortunately many ailments stem from having weak core muscles. You may be personally acquainted with the most common ailment...lower back pain. Other problems include poor posture, being injury prone, having minimal strength and (drum roll please) a bulging waistline.
What are the benefits of a strong Core?
Alleviating persistent back pain is one of the most welcomed benefits of a strong core. An increase in strength and protection from injury are also nice, and who doesn't love to lose inches from their waist as a result of tightened muscle?
Everyday motions such as lifting, squatting, reaching, twisting and bending will become less challenging after strengthening your core. While you may not immediately see the value in this, remember that it is better to be safe than sorry - who really wants to throw out their back while taking out the trash.
How can I strengthen my Core?
A great place to start is to practice the technique mentioned earlier - pull your belly button in toward your spine, not by simply sucking in your gut, but by contracting your abdominals. Do you feel it? Good. Now make it a habit to do this exercise while you sit. Like on the drive to work...at work...on the drive home - you get the idea.
It doesn't stop there - you also want to routinely exercise the muscles of your abdominals and lower back. This can be done by performing exercises that target these specific areas such as crunches and bridges.
Both Linda Geyer & Machelle Lee are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Linda Geyer has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Health and Womens Health. Linda Geyer, entrepreneur, speaker and author has spent her entire career in health related businesses helping clients and audiences make health a priority. She is Founder and CEO of Vitality Management and owner of Peak Physique Fitness Training in Michi. Linda Geyer's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.
Machelle Lee has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Anger Control and Health. Machelle Lee owns and operates The Invisible Gym in Santa Cruz, CA. Her mission is to inspire people to become physically active and enjoy the benefits of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. For more information and questions you can visit her website.. Machelle Lee's top article generates over 9900 views. to your Favourites.