STRENGTHENING YOUR CORE....

If you're pushing yourself with cardio and crunches, and doing everything right, but a flat stomach still eludes you, you've probably been ignoring your core.

Why is your core important?

That's not the only reason why paying attention to the core is essential. "It's considered the powerhouse of our body,"

"[The core] is extremely important when it comes to performing everyday chores," says the trainer, who got Jessica Alba back to her pre-baby body in record time.

"Having a strong core assists in making everyday tasks easier -- things like carrying your baby or groceries, garden work, lifting, twisting... all these moves rely on your core."

"Since everything in our body is connected, it only makes sense that having a strong core or centre translates to our body working in harmony," "Our lower limbs rely on stable hips and pelvic floor, and our torso is connected to our abdominal muscles and lower back. Strong core muscles will affect our balance and the spine, protecting us from injury and allowing us to continue an active lifestyle."

 

How can you strengthen it?

Working on your core does not equal ab exercises. Crunches only work on your abdominal muscles, obliques and transverse muscles. Your core, includes these muscles as well as the muscles in your lower back, pelvis and hips.

Top core strengthening exercises:

The Plank: 

Lie on your stomach with your toes pointing down, hands on your sides and palms flat on the floor. Push yourself up using your palms till your arms are straight and fully extended. This exercise targets the deeper abdominal muscles, the transverse abdomens. "Include practising the plank in your daily workout,"  "Start by trying to hold for 30 seconds and working your way up to a minute."

The Side Plank: 

Lie on your side and push yourself up until your elbow is positioned under your shoulder. "Once you can master holding side plank for three seconds then try to lift and lower while in that position.

The Superman: 

"I love to get  the Superman,"  "It strengthens the lower back muscles and glutes (butt muscles)." Lie flat on your stomach with arms and legs extended out. Slowly raise your arms and legs off the floor, hold for a few seconds, lower, and then repeat.

Let me know how you strengthen your core...

Love,

Aaisha..

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