Join the Core

    Core musculature is essential for just about every position your body can be put in. From sitting in a chair, to standing upright, to walking up steps, your core is involved in keeping your spine and your upper body in the proper alignment. 

People often tend to neglect their core when working out. Sure, they may do a few sets of sit-ups or crunches and maybe even push themselves to a few sets of planks, but that's not going to cut it. While there is no problem with doing those exercises, there are dozens more that can be done to significantly improve your core strength and will help to develop those core muscles that aren't being hit with your regular routine. 

   Below is a list of 5 different exercises you can do that will give you a much better core workout. 

 Elbo-to-Knee Crunch

 This exercise allows you to work one side of your abs, as well as your obliques, at a time. While normal crunches begin to burn after a while, you'll find that these burn much faster. When you come up into your crunch touch your elbow to the opposite knee and then go back down. 

TRX Mountain Climbers

     This exercise, like the first, targets one side of your abs at a time. You should be in complete control of the motion the entire time. When one knee comes in toward your chest, your body should remain in a plank position. Sometimes faster isn't better for this exercise. Try varying speeds. 

TRX Oblique Crunch

This exercise is fantastic for working your obliques. More people starting out on this exercise won't be able to do more than a few on each side because of the amount of overall core strength it takes to perform. Don't let that stop you though. Practice it and your obliques will become much stronger. 

Supermans

     Your lower back is absolutely a part of your core musculature. That's a bit of information most people neglect. They'll work their abdominal muscles, but not those of their lower back. Supermans are great for increasing the strength of your lower back and ad to a much more stable core. 

Bosu Ball V-Hold

This exercise creates an environment that your abs aren't normally accustomed to. It is a state of complete unbalance. It takes all of your core muscles, with some help from your hip flexors, to hold your body still in this position. You'll find that after 20-30 seconds your abs will start to ache. Hold past the point of initial discomfort and try to reach 40-50 seconds starting out.

With the practice these exercises regularly, you'll be well on your way to being a part of the Core. 

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