June 22
Core Exercises
Core exercises strengthen your core muscles, including abs, back and pelvis. Strong core muscles make it easier to do most physical activities. You can do core exercises on a carpeted floor or mat. Breathe freely and deeply during each exercise. Focus on tightening your deepest abdominal muscle, the transversus abdominis, during each exercise. This is the muscle you feel contracting when you cough. Repeat core exercises five times. Gradually build up to 10 to 15 repetitions as your strength improves.
The muscles in your abdomen, lower back and pelvis help protect your back and connect upper and lower body movements. Core strength is a crucial element of a well-rounded fitness training program.
Core exercises help train your muscles to support the spine and enable you to use your upper and lower body muscles more effectively. Any exercise that uses the trunk of your body without support, including abdominal crunches counts as a core exercise. You can also try various core exercises with a fitness ball.