Interested to know what what makes up your major core muscles?
Your core muscles are made up of:
Transverse Abdominis (TVA) - the deepest of your abdominal muscles,lies under your obliques
External Obliques - located on the side and front of your abdomen, around your waist
Internal Obliques - lie under your external obliques, and run in the opposite direction
Rectus Abdominis - a long muscle that extends along the front of your abdomen. This is the 'six-pack' part of your abs that becomes visible with reduced body fat
Erector Spinae - a collection of 3 muscles along your neck to your lower back
To build up your core strength, target these muscles in your core workouts.
Right. You got to know your core muscles already.
Next, what're the core exercises you can do to strengthen and tone your core muscles?
Exercise ball workout is a great exercise that works and strengthens your "hidden muscles" (like your TVA and erector spinae), in addition to improving your balance and overall coordination!
My posture improves through the act of balancing on the ball.
The tougest challenge and the most fun part of this core exercise is that it requires me to focus on using my core muscles for support.
I develop strong core stability as the ball workout targets deeply at my core muscles.
In the process, my core muscles are trained greatly to strong, hard ones - my abs hold firm, my back ram-rod straight and my pelvic solid!
One of the most "electrifying" core exercises that I've come across that superbly "recreates" my body alignment and posture.
Are you game enough to try it out ?
It's my favorite, favorite core workout program -
Whoa! I love it!
I've been practising Pilates for almost 7 years and the result I got?
Strengthened core muscles, especially my abdominal and back muscles.
I rarely experience injury these days when I exercise.
I've gotten my lower back pain cured too!
Besides, I get to grow stronger, longer, leaner-looking muscles, toned and shaped up all at one go......
The magic?
Because all Pilates exercises start from the muscles of your abdominals, lower back, hips and butts, i.e. your body's core.
When performing Pilates, you constantly work from your body's core and lift up and out from here.
Toning, stretching, strengthening and balancing exercises all roll into one to develop your body's core.
How efficient Pilates is as an exercise!
It also helps you to adjust your posture to make you feel taller and look trimmer.
The part I love most is - it doesn't build big, bulky muscles.
The exercise also stretches and lengthens any muscles that become too short and tight. The natural result is increased flexibility and mobility in your muscles and joints.
Why don't you give Pilates a shot?
You'll be thrilled to see your body's core strengthened, your posture improved, your balance centered and your flexibility increased.
Getting The Most From Core Exercises
How?
Well, just these will do:
Do core exercises at least 3 times a week
Choose exercises that work your core muscles simultaneously
The best exercises for your core are those that get your muscles working together at the same time.
Ah.....you don't mind me saying again that Pilates is the best exercise to meet this purpose?
Indeed Pilates is!
When you do Pilates, you engage all your core muscles: abdominals, lower back, hips (pelvis) and butts all at once to stretch, strengthen, tone and balance.
Perfect "all-in-one" kind of exercise!
Core Strength And Back Pain
If your core muscles are weak or there's an imbalance (like you work your TVA but don't work your rectus abdominis), you could get back pain.
If back pain occurs, consult your doctor first. If your doctor gives green light, you can start core strengthening exercise.
However, it would be wise for you to deal with your posture first.
I reckon it's good to get a trainer like Chad to design a core exercise program for you that gets your core strengthened, so that you enjoy better posture, stronger back and a solid abs.
You can trust Chad completely because he knows what your exercise need is and will customise it to your satisfaction.
I got my core program designed by him and I love it!
Try him and then tell me your results.
You'll be glad you do the core program with him.
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