Core Workouts That Really Work

Do you want to strengthen your core muscles, but aren’t sure how? Core muscle strength is essential for good balance and posture. The following core exercises will get you in tip top shape.

Spend some time with your old buddies: the sit ups and the crunches. These two moves are reliable and effective. As you lift and lower your body (full extensions for sit ups, small lifts for crunches), use your fingertips to cradle your neck and always use slow, controlled movements to lift and lower without straining your body.

When you're sick of sit ups, move into the position to do the bicycle. Start out in the same position as a traditional sit up, but lift your legs in the air and bend them at 90-degree angles. Crunch your upper body and twist such that one elbow touches the opposing knee. Then twist and touch the other opposing elbow and knee. Continue this movement in a smooth pattern.

Tighten your abs by using your core muscles to lift and lower your legs in a controlled motion. Stay on your back, with your legs straight out and your arms by your side or extended. Keeping your lower back solidly on the ground, lift both legs, slowly, until they point to the ceiling. Concentrating on your stomach muscles, slowly lower your legs until they touch the ground.

Work those abs by doing the plank exercise. Roll over so you are on your stomach and place your hands directly under your shoulders. Lift your body as if you are doing a push up but hold the position, tensing your stomach muscles and keeping your body stiff as a board. Stay in that plank position for an extended hold, and then let yourself relax into the beginning position and take a short break before doing it again.

The last exercise can be done all day; simply sit on your exercise ball. Make sure you use your core muscles to stay balanced as you work on your computer.

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Tags: Health / Fitness