Core Strength and Circuit

Having a strong core is so important! Your core is about more then just having a nice 6 pack. Your core is your bodies powerhouse. If your core is strong core your overall fitness will improve. Im not taking about doing a few extra ab crunches. The right engagement will make all the difference. The best way to feel your core when you are starting is to lie down on your back place your hands by your pelvis, push down a little so you can feel it engage. Think about pushing your belly button in and towards the floor. Squeeze and hold, and BREATH. Breathing is so important here. When you are holding your core during an exercise you want this to be strong and be able to breath through your exercise! + this is free exercise throughout your day!

Having a strong core will:

1) Help prevent injuries

It will protect your spine when doing any type of movements. A weak core leads to bad posture, weak lower back, and possible injuries.

2) Improve Posture

If you have a desk job or do a lot of driving and sitting in your day. I encourage you to be mindful of how you are sitting. Try and activate your core throughout the day with the exercise above- pushing your core into the back of your chair throughout the day.

3) Prevent back pain

No one likes back pain. If you are sitting for long periods of time not activating your core there is a good chance you will get back pain at some point.

4) Improve balance

Like I mentioned your core is your powerhouse and its going to help stabilize your torso. When you have strong stabilization it makes movements through your hips, knees, and ankles improve.

5)Improve workouts

If you are engaging your core you will be able to lift heavier, jump higher what ever your the movement is the stronger your core the better it will be. If you get pain in your lower back after squatting and have no back issues its likely that you are NOT activating your core throughout the exercise.

6) You will overall feel better.

Picture yourself with no injuries, no back pain, standing tall with confident posture, improved workouts.

CORE CIRCUIT

1) Plank -as long as you can

2) knee tucks- 20 reps (can add weight between feet to make it more challenging)

3) Scissor kicks-15 reps per leg

4) Lying leg raise 15 reps

5) Plank alternating hand and leg raise-15per side (plank on hands)

6) Side plank with pulse- 15 pulses per side

COMPLETE ALL EXERCISES THEN REST FOR 60-90SECONDS REPEAT 3 TIMES.

Let me know how sore your core was after this circuit!