It is common to dream of being more fit. Occasionally, we get motivated to do something about it too. But there are so many ideas out there about what the best routine or exercise is. Almost any type of activity will bring you some benefit if it is done safely. However, the right place to begin is some cardio and some core building exercises. You can do other things as well, but when your core gets strong, you will be able to have better technique for all exercises. In addition, when your core is strong, you be less prone to injury, and you will have more stamina. Here are some core building techniques to get you started.
1. Weighted Hula Hoop: Who knew that the simple playground toy of your youth would someday get write ups in fitness magazines. The magic of the Hula hoop is that it causes you to activate so many of your core muscles, and it does so rhythmically and safely. You can purchase weighted hula hoops from Decathlon. It is just the thing to break down stiffness and create a solid and agile core.
2. Planking: This deceptively simple exercise, whether it be a full plank, or a knee plank, it is guaranteed to make you feel the effect almost immediately. Planking does not require much skill or technique, but a video or two might be needed to see how it’s done.
3. Crunches: crunches effectively replaced sit-ups as the go to abs workout. But if you mix it up, crunches can give your last a good work out too. The benefit of crunches over sit-ups is that it is much easier on your back. Another form of crunches utilizes a pedaling motion with your feet while your legs are elevated.
4. Hip Bridges: Thrusting you hip into the air might make you feel a bit awkward, especially if someone is watching. But this is an excellent workout to add to your core routine. It tends to activate muscles not often used in the day.
5. Body Holds: This a little like planking, as it is also a resistance exercise. But in this case, you lay on your back and curl your midsection so that you look like a rocker from a rocking chair. You can even add the rocking motion, for an even more dynamic workout. Another variation is to lift your legs higher, so you are in an ‘L’ shape and then have a workout partner push your legs back down. Again, it doesn’t take much pressure to have a huge effect.
You will feel the effects of core building in the form of muscle pain in the next few days. That’s how you know it’s working. But in a few weeks, you will feel changes in your posture and your overall strength. Core workouts have a quick recovery cycle, and you can do them every three days. When you feel the power, you will be ready for more advanced core training, which should involve squats, deadlifts, and pullups, among other things. Moreover, you need to learn more about main causes of muscle pain for your information and guideline.
