Core training is worth the hard work. And once you put in the effort, you'll want to proudly show off your results.
Core training broke into the American College of Sports Medicine’s top 10 fitness trends of 2012. This is kind of like having a top 10 hit on the Billboard music charts, but for fitness. In other words, it’s officially a big deal.
When most people hear “core training,” they immediately assume it’s about abs and only the abs. However, so much more is involved with the core. Yes, it incorporates the abdominal muscles, but also includes strength training of the stabilizing muscles of the thorax (the area between the neck and the abs) and back. Throw in the muscles of the lower back and hips and you’ve got a full core training agenda focused on stabilizing the spine and the pelvis. A strong core makes your trunk strong and, shall we say, aesthetically pleasing. And then you’ll want to wear a top that shows off the hard work that went in to getting those great abs!
Clearly the average sit up isn’t going to cut it when you’re beginning core training. So what’s a girl to do? Here are three hot new ways to train your core:
Do it in a group. A group exercise class, that is. Core-specific classes are popping up in most health clubs and fitness facilities. Group exercise giant Les Mills™ unrolled CXWORX™, a program designed to tone and strengthen the core muscles at a high intensity for 30 minutes. CXWORX™ is smart in that it goes beyond a half hour of planks and includes abs and tush toning, as well as functional strengthening of the back, obliques, and other stabilizing muscles. TRX Suspension Training is another group exercise class (as well as being used in personal training) that develops strength, balance, and core stability simultaneously. Think gravity + body weight + straps = core training and more.
Think outside the sit up. Those professionals on “Dancing With the Stars” and in music videos have ripped abs for a reason. Dancing requires movement powered from the torso, meaning you get to shake your hips a lot. Hot classes like Zumba and other dance classes are so popular, in fact, that they made ACSM’s list at number 9. You may not realize it while you’re busy shimmying, but your body is flexing, extending, rotating, and twisting for nearly an hour straight during one of these classes. That’s a whole lotta core training and calorie burning at the same time. If you don’t have access to a health club that offers such classes, Zumba, “DWTS,” and others have DVDs and even video games available so you can “shake it, but don’t break it” in the comfort of your living room.
Find your inner strength to develop outer strength. You may have noticed that the economy is struggling, to say the least. Many of us can’t afford a health club much less a personal trainer. However, the new mantra in these times is “Do It Yourself.” Find the inner resolve to train your core and you’ll save money and look buff while you do it. Take advantage of the latest in apps like the Nike Training Club or the myriad of Pilates apps available. These let you determine how long you want to train, if you want to include any gear like straps or magic circles, and even provide music for motivation. Whether you dig the plank-a-day, Pilates, or push ups, rest assured, there’s an app for that.
So tighten and tone from the buns on up! Your balance, stability, and aesthetics will thank you for it!
