Core to the Core

I recently posted about core training and the way to get more out of your workout than just doing crunches. I wanted to follow up with some exercises that can be done instead of your basic "ab" workouts you are used to. These can be done daily to help strengthen your core and protect your spine. Not to mention, strengthening your core will help all of your other lifts increase. Try out a couple of these exercises next time you hit the gym.










The four examples I have given cover the different movements the core is capable of. The first is a simple plank which is an anti-extension exercise. The core muscles need to contract to prevent gravity from pushing down on the center of the body. The second exercise is a more dynamic example of this same movement. As the bar rolls out the core has to activate to maintain a straight line. The third is an anti-rotation exercise. Just like the plank, the core is working to prevent the movement the band is forcing. And the final exercise is a more encompassing exercise. There is an imbalance of weight from side to side, so as you squat down the core is working to prevent a side bend. So not only are you working the legs with a squat, but also the core.