Overview:
The body's "core" refers to the muscles around the abdomen, pelvis and back. The core muscles are almost always active. From sitting to standing and walking to running, the core muscles are at work stabilizing our body from the force of gravity.
Weak core muscles make one more susceptible to poor posture, back pain and injuries during activity. For this reason, it is important to have strong core muscles. Simple exercises performed three to four times a week can be done to strengthen your core.
Weak core muscles make one more susceptible to poor posture, back pain and injuries during activity. For this reason, it is important to have strong core muscles. Simple exercises performed three to four times a week can be done to strengthen your core.
Core-Strengthening Exercise:
One easy core exercise is:
1)Position yourself on all fours, with your hands and legs supporting you on the floor.
2)Slowly extend your left leg straight behind you.
3)Make sure that your back remains straight and parallel to the floor.
4)Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
5)Repeat using the opposite leg.
1)Position yourself on all fours, with your hands and legs supporting you on the floor.
2)Slowly extend your left leg straight behind you.
3)Make sure that your back remains straight and parallel to the floor.
4)Hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds.
5)Repeat using the opposite leg.
Advancing the Exercise:
As your performance level increases, this exercise can be modified to increase the difficulty level. To do so, perform as above but also raise the arm opposite the elevated leg straight out in front of you -- this will work your core muscles in a more advanced way.
