Core Workouts

As mentioned on Facebook yesterday I did the Yoga Booty Ballet Core Workout. It is a two-disc workout system that I picked up from the library. The other disc is for the booty. I haven't completed that one, yet. I will today, though. I feel fantastic today. My back especially feels like it got a great strength workout.

What is your core? Your core includes everything from your shoulders to your thighs.

Why do I need to strengthen my core? Your core balances you. A strong core helps you to stand tall and stand in a straight line to your feet and hands. Having a strong core will help you to avoid or decrease your chance of injury.

We always think of strengthening our abdominals, thighs, and biceps. We need to remember that there is a back side to us as well. Our shoulders, back, and hamstrings (the back of your thighs) also need to be strengthened. Workouts from Yoga and Pilates often include your core. The exercises from these disciplines involve stretching, balance, and improve flexibility.

The Wall Street Journal had an article on this very subject March, 16 2010. It really is all the rage in athletic and fitness training.

Your goal today is to complete 3 exercises of Pillar Bridges. (If you are healthy and are able.)

Lateral Pillar Bridge: Lie on your side with your forearm on the ground under your shoulder. Push your hip off the ground. Watch your form and make sure there is a straight line from your shoulder down to your ankle. HOLD for 1/2 a minute. Repeat 10 times.

Glute Bridge: Lie face up with your arms to the side, knees bent, and heels on the ground. Lift hips until knees, hips, and shoulders are in a straight line. HOLD for a few second. Repeat 12 times.

Plank with arm lift: Start in a plank postion with your elbows bent in front of you right underneath your shoulders. Without moving your middle lift left arm up to about ear level. HOLD for a few seconds and switch to the right arm. Repeat 12 times on each side.

You should feel really good after doing these exercises. Let me know how it goes for you! Keep doing the previous exercises I've mentioned. Have a great day. See you tomorrow!