Core strength for dummies?

7 watchers

Frobester Jul 2012 10:55am, 3 Jul 2012 19,958 posts	0 Frobester Cheers Fleecy. Maybe it was how Livestrong sold Shredding which kinda put me off! I take your point about doing it in context though, that makes sense.
Making_Tracks Jul 2012 11:05am, 3 Jul 2012 3,124 posts	0 Making_Tracks The context bit is important but first you need to know where your "core" is and how to use it. I think this is why I found the really basic mat work helpful. A pilates session or two could teach you this. Only once you've started to properly engage your core and use it should you progress to the more functional exercises otherwise you'll find ways to compensate for your core and not get the development you're looking for.
Keefy Beefy Jul 2012 11:05am, 3 Jul 2012 7,571 posts	0 Keefy Beefy This is a good routine - about 10 exercises if you skip the (to my mind) crap exercises of 4 and 6. beginnertriathlete.com
fleecy Jul 2012 11:06am, 3 Jul 2012 2,436 posts	0 fleecy Make it something enjoyable! I came to running from a background of doing aerobics classes, I find it a bit weird the way runners talk about core work or cross-training, for me it's all cross-training. But so many runners seem to only run, and just use the same muscles over and over and then get injured. Fitness is not just about cardio, it's also about strength, agility, flexibility, balance, co-ordination...Mixing it up is good, I really love all the classes I do, and even stuff like rollerskating with the kids is good for balance and using different muscles.
fleecy Jul 2012 11:08am, 3 Jul 2012 2,437 posts	0 fleecy MT: that is actually a very good point.
Making_Tracks Jul 2012 11:12am, 3 Jul 2012 3,125 posts	0 Making_Tracks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlnfZBQwPaA This is the first very basic core exercise I tried. Can you do this with your abs engaged (back flat to the floor) throughout the whole movement? I couldn't initially. I can now even with a 3kg weight held between my feet whilst doing double toe taps.
GregP Sep 2012 2:37pm, 21 Sep 2012 62,730 posts	0 GregP Hello. Sorry to interrupt, but I've just read an article about stretching (in 'Veteran Leaguer' magazine) that makes a statement which I suspect is twaddle. "Sensory organs in the muscles and tendons relay information to the central nervouus system". Sendory organs? Really?