When I started weight training over 25 years ago, my need to train my abdominal or core muscles (abs), was mainly to achieve a six-pack! Now I realise that this has mostly to do with bodyfat levels, and very little to do with how you train them.
So, whats the benefits on having a strong core? Well, think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Most movements either originate in your core, or move through it.
Everyday acts:- such as bending down to tie your shoe laces, scooping down to pick something up, turning round to look behind you, sitting in a chair or simply standing still, although all mundane, these all rely on your core muscles that you might not notice until they become difficult or painful.
On the job tasks:- Less obvious tasks such as sitting at a desk for long periods involve the core muscles, but this can make your core and back muscles stiff and sore, particularly if you’re not strong enough to practice good posture and aren’t taking sufficient breaks.
A healthy back:- Low back pain – a debilitating, sometimes excruciating problem affecting 4 out of 5 people in the UK, may be prevented by exercises that promote well-balanced, resilient core muscles.
Good Posture:- For me, this is the most important one! Why? Because weak core muscles lead to slouching. Also, good posture makes you look slimmer and projects confidence. Most importantly, however, it lessens wear and tear on the spine.
Improved Performance:- Ask any of my clients and they’ll tell you; a key area I always focus on is core strength. It’ll improve your performance in any given sport. Again, because all movements starts with the core or passes through it.
So, have I sold this to you?! I hope so. And to support this, I’m now the proud owner of a Lifeline® Power Wheel (see photo). This is a wheel that you attach to your feet in order to perform various bodyweight exercises. Does it work? Well, an independent research study done at the University of California Berkeley voted it “The Best Core Trainer in the World”. Want a go? Book a session with me on 07947 360349, today!!!
First, let’s start with a question: Do I need to have good core strength for running?
Yes, it’s true, and as Ruth Malone, my friend and former business partner would agree, I’m not a natural runner and would find any excuse not to run. The most common being, that I’m the wrong build, or that I was never good at running at school and therefore why should I be any good at it now blah blah blah!!
I started training with Howard in September.
I’ve recently purchased a new piece of equipment and am pleased to say that my clients are loving using it and really noticing the results.
Yes, I know it’s way past new year but I was struggling for ideas!!
If you want to do better at something, whether it’s sport, fitness or losing weight then you need to work at it. Presumably that’s why we all talk about “training” to achieve our goals. But how often do we take a step back and consider exactly what we need to train, or work on, to get the improvements we want?
When I started personal training I expected that a large part of my job would be to educate people on health and fitness. My training left me well-prepared for this with masses of information on how much exercise you should do, what type, what you should eat and so on. However, without exception, everyone who has come to see me for personal training has already known this information. The internet, television and magazine has provided us with endless information on how to be fit and healthy but for a lot of us, knowing all this isn’t enough to make us change.
