Let’s Get to the Core of the Matter!
When we’re young the focus of our fitness lifestyle is often centered around the way we look. We want to be toned and tight with nice muscles and of course, we wish for those six-pack abs! As we mature in our fitness life, we start to see a shift in our focus and we get a deeper understanding of what being fit and able really means to our independence and our longevity.
So, let’s circle back for a minute to those elusive 6 pack abs! It’s not uncommon to see people focusing their core training solely on developing their abs, but a strong core goes far beyond having a sexy six-pack! As we know, the core is more than just our abs. The core also includes our pelvis, lower back, and hips. The core is not only the center of our bodies, but also the center of our power, our posture, our balance, and our overall level of fitness.
There are many “symptoms” related to a weak core. Many of them we try to brush off as normal aches and issues that start to become problematic as we age. Although this is partially true, in reality, we can prevent some of these ailments with proper and complete core strength training.
How is your posture? Do you stand up straight or are your shoulders rounding? Do you suffer from low back pain without any known cause? Can you stand up from a chair without using your hands for support? Does your belly stick out? All these things can be caused by a weak core. In fact, a weak core can even make ordinary tasks like lifting a child, carrying your laundry, or walking up stairs more difficult!
In the Lift, Move & Restore Series we will work to train the core from all angles and in multiple planes to build core strength, stability, and coordination. Pictured here, Cathe, Jenn A, and Kristin are doing a jack knife exchange using a foam roller for added intensity.
The core is fighting to stabilize and keep the back and hips grounded as the upper body and legs work to pass the foam roller back and forth. The length of the foam roller adds an additional challenge as it makes the core work even harder to maintain power to support the pelvis, hips, and lower back.
This is only one of many core exercises included in this series that will challenge us in new and exciting ways. Incorporating this type of training into our routines is not only a great tool for injury prevention but is essential to our overall strength and healthy, active lifestyle.
Learn more or pre-order here: https://bit.ly/4bO6lHn
I suppose a stability ball, 18 inch foam roller, yoga/playground ball or even a yoga block could be substituted if one didn't have the 36 inch roller. 
