Developing a Stable Core – What You Should Know

Core stability. It seems like a heavy phrase. It conjures images of something as crucial as a nuclear core that threatens to destroy everything it comes in contact with should it melt or explode. While that may happen in a nuclear reactor– such as what the Japanese are trying so desperately to prevent in one of their nuclear power plants damaged by the tsunami last March 11– the effects of a weakened core may not be as widespread or as scary where bodily fitness is concerned. But for the individual who grapples with a less than optimum strength in the abdominal, back and pelvic muscles, the effects are no less debilitating. Chronic back pain, being constantly prone to injuries and muscular imbalances that lead to falls and breaks are the results of a weakened core. And while it is not as scary as a nuclear meltdown, the discomfort and literal pain in the butt that it brings can truly impede one’s quality of life.

All movement that we do stems from our core muscles. Sitting, lifting, walking, running, carrying shopping bags, cradling the baby to sleep– the “power” to do all these is taken from the muscles that converge in our back, abdomen and pelvis. If we have poor core stability, we can’t do these movements efficiently and/or fluidly. As a result, strains, sprains and pains occur. To prevent these from happening, specific exercises that strengthen the core need to be practiced.

Core stability workouts such as The Truth About Six Pack Abs rarely require any external equipment except your own bodyweight. They can be done for as many times as you want, making them distinct from other forms of resistance training. Unlike muscle toning sessions where the results are seen in that six-pack abs or a well-sculpted chest, a stronger core that has been developed through exercise does not manifest itself in any obvious way physically. The results of constant core stability training only become obvious in more fluid movements, better posture and overall improvement from your once “klutzy” personality.

Where exactly are your ab muscles located? Stand up and put your fingertips a few centimeters from your hipbones. Cough. The muscles that tighten involuntarily under your fingers are your core muscles. To develop core strength, you have to regularly contract them. Pull up the pelvic floor by imagining that you are stopping the flow of urine. Think of zipping up these muscles by pulling in and bringing up the zip that you have begun from your pubic bone (the one you located at the beginning of the activity) up to your navel, breathing freely as you do so. Contract for a few seconds before letting go. Do this as often as you want in longer sessions for more benefits.

Other traditional core strengthening exercises include planks, crunches and sit ups. Make it a point to incorporate these in your workout regimen on most days of the week. With regular core training, you’ll definitely be able to complete whatever task you need to do minus the back pain. You’ll feel more confident as well.

By the way, Truth About Six Pack Abs by Mike Geary is a fantastic workout for building stronger abs. Highly recommended. Make sure that you look at our article titled “Truth About 6 Pack Abs review“.

categories: core stability,stable core

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