core Tag

Core Strengthening Isn’t Just Trendy; It’s a Vital Part of Training

One of those trendy fitness words that people like to use without understanding what they are talking about is the Core. Functional training is also a very misused word in the fitness industry. A common fitness misconception is that the abs are all that make up the core. Specifically, the part of the abs that you can see when you look in the mirror. Actually, the core is everything except the arms and legs (front and back of body). Thus, crunches aren't the only way to train the core. Unfortunately, in the gym  trainers often refer to the abs as the...

Tennis Warm Up (Upper Core & Arms): Part One

Whether you're getting ready for a match or just hitting with friends, following the advice below will help you optimize your on court time and prevent injuries. Part 1 of this 3 part series outlines upper core and arms warm-up. Part Two will outline lower core and legs warm-up and part 3 will outline on court warm-up strategies and post play stretching tips. Always Warm up to play or practice, don't play to warm up.   Since most of the effects of warm up are temperature related some form of general warm-up should be done before hitting a single ball. Slowly but...

Core Stability Bridging (Part Two)

This is the second of a three part series of Core Stability Training. All of the exercises can be made more difficult using external resistance from balls and stretch bands as well as balance equipment like half foam rolls, wobble boards or balance pods. The trunk muscles help transfer energy from the legs through the core (trunk) to the upper body and arms. This is especially important in rotational or asymmetric swinging sports like tennis, golf and soccer. Begin with Base Work (see the previous article Basework & Bridging: Part One) Start by lying on your back with knees bent up to...

Pilates to Strengthen Your Core

For some people, exercise routines focus on weight loss or building muscle. For others, their mission is to increase strength, improve balance, stamina and flexibility. If the latter is your goal in the gym, then working your body ‘core’ is where you should spend your time. We rely on our bodies for everything: when we get out of bed in the morning, get dressed, go to work, play with the kids, and when we work up a sweat in the weight room. That’s why it’s important to take care of our body every day with regular exercise, nutritious food, lots of...

Unconventional Core Training: Effective Exercises for Your Core

Core training is more than thousands of crunches and side bends.  The other role of your stomach muscles is for stabilization of your spine.  Your core muscles will contract to prevent any unwanted bending which will help prevent injury.  Some of these exercises may be outside of the norm of your normal core training. Use some of these exercises to add into your routine.  You also get the added benefit of working multiple muscle groups.  Needless to say, you won’t have to worry about doing any crunches. 1. Single arm dumb bell (DB) bench press How to perform it: Lie down on your...

Ripped to the Core Workout

A six-pack may turn heads, but unless you have a strong group of deep-core muscles you'll never develop a complete midsection. With Fitness Goop's Ripped to the Core program you will get a workout that will strengthen your transverse abdominals and the deep muscles of the core, plus some favorite moves that will keep your abs engaged the entire workout. Before starting the workout here are few tips to remember: Perform three sets of 15 repetitions (reps) for all exercises except side bridge and plank, aim for 30 seconds. Rest for 60 seconds between each set. Throughout the workout, concentrate on breathing correctly....

Core Stability: Basework & Supine Bridging (Part One)

In order to hold your pelvis, lumbar spine and hips in a neutral position a strong upper and lower core (trunk) is fundamental. The muscles of the trunk act as stabilizers for the upper and lower extremities and pelvis. The trunk muscles help transfer energy from the legs through the core (trunk) to the upper body and arms. This is important for people of all ages especially in rotational or asymmetric sports and activities. The core (trunk) muscles form the stable support base for the body. The lower core consists of  four main muscles: ‘the inner unit’ (1) - the transversus...