I hate core work. What's a girl to do?

N

NurseLRT

Cathlete
I like aerobics and running. I feel that I am getting stronger in my upper body. I don't mind working any part of it. Lower body is a bit more challenging, but it's not so bad.

I just hate doing abs. They are obviously weaker than the other parts of my body. It's painful, it's miserable, and I can't do half of the moves Cathe does in the core segments.

I think I need to just force myself to do core work more often.

Lori
 
Sorry, Lori. I can't think of anything other than just doing it. The stronger your abs, the less painful it's gonna be. (Note the word "less".;) )

I started with the workouts in Ab Hits, just the ones where you're mostly lying down on the floor. Then I did the planks, just a few seconds at a time. When Cathe came up with those pikes, I tried doing just one and adding one rep at a time. It was very slow progress, but it's all doable. Good luck.:)

Pinky
 
Lori-I agree with Pinky. You have to just keep doing them and it will get easier. Honestly I think if you start off doing the ones where you get to lie down you will build up to planks etc. They are noy my fave but I can do them! Just keep plugging away. Great blog you have by the way.

Terri
 
Are there ANY core exercises that you don't hate? You may just want to do the ones that you can stand for now and slowly work up to the more challenging ones. I find that if I switch up "fun" exercises with "hated" exercises, then I don't hate them so much.
Carolyn
 
Lori,

Maybe you could look beyond Cathe for some ab/core work that isn't so intense and then work up from there.

I don't have any suggestions, since all I do is Cathe, but I do remember a LOOOOOOONG time ago when I first started with Cathe, and I thought I would never get through the ab segment in Step Heat!!!

Some of the moves in her kickboxing workouts do target the core and I do remember some core work incorporated into the Tae Bo workouts. Maybe some other posters have other recommendations. Have you tried any pilates?

Just a few thoughts.

Tina
 
Oh, Lori, I hear ya. But it truly does get easier the more you do it. I still gasp and mutter profanities during planks. And I remember when I first started doing Bodymax, those 8 minutes of abs seemed interminable! Now I do 20 minutes of Coremax with no problem. Well, okay, not no problem, but I make it through. It's always the things that are hardest for us that we hate the most. That's just natures way of telling us that's what we need to work on MORE:p
 
Hi Lori, I agree with the others, and you as well. I hate it too but you gotta give some to get some. ;-) Stick with it and it will get better.
 
Well, this girl skips core work, too, although I know I need to just do it. I'm thinking of finding a standing abs type of workout - those exercises don't FEEL like core work to me.
 
You have to do the core work. If your core is not strong then you can't give it your all when you do upper body, etc. Also helps with balance alot! BTW, I hate cardio, but I am going to run tomorrow with an ugly look on my face and smile later when I look in the mirror! LOL!

Charlotte~~
 
I agree with Pinky, start at the beginning.

You can't start off with pikes and jack knifes, with the tough core work from the Hardcore series!!! That will just depress you and make you give up on the spot!

Abs/core work is not my fave thing either. It always comes at the end and I often just blow it off. But, when I work at it, I see results very quickly.

I invested in Ab Hits and worked my way through it steadily. About half of it is traditional abs, things you will be familiar with. I particularly like the set from MIS. I try to work the abs/core about 4 times per week. Once this became easier, I graduated up to include the planks exercises, also featured on the Ab Hits DVD. I actually like planks a lot. I don't think of "oh-my-god-how-long-do-I-have-to-keep-this-up?", rather I psyche myself through it by counting in sets of 8, so I reach mini achievements throughout the time. You can get strong with planks quickly.

After this, try the core work from the Intensity series. It is fabulous and very varied, especially the series from Boot Camp, PUB and C&W. There are always some exercises I loathe, others that I just can't feel them doing anything for me. So, I sub it with another exercise that targets the same area of the core muscles, but is an exercise I like.

Don't forget your running is also working your abs. You are just so used to it, you no longer feel it. But you are probably slim, most runners are, so results from ab/core work will show quickly on you. Once you start seeing results and can feel yourself getting stronger, this achievement on its own works to inspire you to achieve a higher level of strength and ability. I have found this to be true for me.

It really is worth strengthening your core. It includes the back muscles and maintaining a strong back now will keep you free from the back pain that seems to target so many people. Also, it will increase your stability in all exercises you do, including cardio. I believe also, that a strong core and upper body are also essential for runners, to help you keep going for longer. Perhaps someone else can chime in here with more information on this.

Challenge yourself with this. What have you got to lose? Not a lot, but an incredible amount to gain. Off you go!!

Clare
 
I hate to work my core, shoulders and biceps. For some reason it hurts to work those three parts more than the other body parts but I still work 'em just as hard as everything else.

In addition to Cathe core work I've been doing pilates. It helps to work my abs in a different way. I just got MTV Pilates Mix which is very good. I also have Target Abs and Lotte Berke Method Hip Hugger Abs. When I rotate them in with Core Max it keeps things mixed up just enough to keep me from dreading it too much.
 
Thank you every one for your wonderful suggestions and motivation. I know I have to work my core for many reasons. I am just going to do it. I know it will become easier. I just conveniently skip it, or make excuses why I don't have to do it.

I did a segment of CM today, and above poster is right. A lot of it is very challenging.

ClareMC, I am not slim, but working on it. :)

I have heard great things about the MTV pilates mix DVD on this forum. I am tempted to purchase it. I am wondering if it would be too challenging also. If I can't do a plank effectively, should I buy a pilates tape? :)

Anyway, it may be worth a try, it's only 13.50 on Amazon.

Thanks again everybody!!

Lori
 
The MTV Pilates Mix has people working at three different levels, beginner, intermediate and advanced and shows modifications for each level per exercise. It's definately something you can grow with.
 
Lori,

I just read your typepad. Very entertaining in a very good way! I feel bad about your struggles with food and exercise because I've been stuck in a body before that I wished were smaller. I had some minor complications while pregnant with my now almost 4 year old and was unable to exercise during the pregnancy. I gained about 25 extra pounds. I was 42 when she was born and unlike my previous pregnancies the weight didn't just seem to go away afterward. Sick of struggling with it I finally went to Weight Wathcers and used their core plan. I lost all of the weight, averaging a 1 lb a week loss and without feeling too deprived. You are given a list of foods that you can eat as much as you want of. It's essentially clean eating. Of course you have to be disciplined in your portion sizes. It was easy to feed everyone in the family what I was eating. I have no affiliation with WW, just thought I'd let you know what worked for me. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
 
Hi Lori - we have a lot in common (besides the Core aversion!). I enjoyed reading your journal - been there, ate that.:9 I laughed out loud because I will grab the dishsoap, too, in a moment of strength. Once, in a can of frosting. (Since frosting has a LID you can go back after it once you've thrown in away, right?)

I hope you get to a good point soon where things get easier. Remember, eventually they always do.....

(Oh, and I'm a Weight Watchers lifetime member, too... very doable program, even for a binge eater like myself!) Actually, I think we've chatted about this before!
 
I'll add my vote for Pilates! I just ordered the MTV Pilates Mix, and got it for $11.31 from Amazon, including shipping!
Just Do It! :)
 
Oh Lori, I feel your pain!!! Core work is absolutely DREADED in my house! But, what has been working for me the last 2 weeks is doing it first. I am more refreshed, I get it out of the way, and it is done. I have went from doing core work 1 time a week, to 3-4 times a week. It has really helped.
Lori
 
I'm not too fond of it either, but I do get great results from it, so that motivates me.

The biggest problem for me is neck pain. In CoreMax, there are just too many exercises where the neck is unsupported, and even when it is supported, it always feels awkward to me. I wish somebody would come up with some effective ab work that doesn't involve the head and neck. I could even imagine actually enjoying ab work if such a workout existed!

-Nancy
 
Nancy,

I hear ya on the Core Maxes when the next is not supported. It has made my neck stronger though and I doubt it if I will have to worry about having sagginess there as I age if I keep doing the core work that way. It feels bad, but I personally believe it is good for us to still do them with the exception of a segment in Core Max 3 because it is doubly hard on the neck on that one when the med ball goes over your head and back up. I think that particular segment on Core Max 3 is overkill, but that is just my opinion.

Charlotte~~
 
Elaine, thank you! It's kind of embarrasing at times to put my journal out there, but hey, it's who I am. :) I believe in Weight Watchers. I have joined several times. Our town's meeting is now held in the local Methodist Church. There's something unsettling about having the crucified Christ over your head, while you share 1 point snack ideas. :) Seriously, like I said I believe in the program. At the moment I have teamed up with a friend, and I am trying to eat reasonable, and control my calories. It's a constant struggle.

Dana, thanks for your nice words. :)

I am happy to report I have done core twice this week. :) I just started to follow the HC Fatloss rotation. :)

Lori
 
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