Simple Ways to Build a Strong Core

woman with strong core in gym

There is a very big misconception out there regarding what muscles really consist of the core. This is a misunderstanding that can cause people to neglect their midsection altogether. As such, it’s no wonder that many people completely underestimate the importance of a strong core muscle. While the core actually engages in a different set of movements than the abdominals do, they’re a wholly separate set of muscles from the ones that you see when you look at your tummy.

Do abdominal crunches

When it comes to performing a good and effective abdominal crunch, you’ll find that it can be performed in a couple of different ways. You could begin in a sitting or lying down position, or you could perform this exercise while standing up. Here are some tips on how you can do an effective abdominal crunch.

Ideally, when doing the actual abdominal crunch you want to start out in a seated or lying position, but as soon as possible to turn your body upside down. The reason for doing this is to engage both the lower and upper body on each of your feet. The goal of performing a side plank exercise is to curl your torso towards the left and to contract the lower and upper body equally. You’ll want to make sure that you keep your chin between your legs throughout the entire movement. This will help ensure that your chest stays upright throughout the exercise. When performing a side plank, you want to contract your abdominal muscles from the side you’re facing, and not from the side that you’re standing.

woman doing core exercises

Do planks and side planks for side core muscles

Once you’ve performed one side plank, you’ll then want to move your body to the other side, and contract the upper body once more, but this time bend your knees. Once again, make sure that your chin remains between your legs throughout the movement. Now it’s time to perform the traditional side crunches by bending at the waist and contracting the lower body, however, you’re only going to lean forward slightly and never fully extend your legs. At the end of the movement, you should have your chest completely erect. Once again, you want to focus on keeping your ab muscles active throughout the movement.

Another great way to develop a strong core, and to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles are to perform the plank pose. To do this, simply lay flat on your back, with your hands located close to your chest. Keep your elbows and wrists in the same position, and don’t let them move at all. As your upper body moves upward, contract your core to hold yourself in place. Hold the plank pose for as long as you can, and at the end of the pose, slowly return your upper body back to the starting position.

woman doing core exercises

Do a ball squat

One of the best exercises to develop a strong core, and to strengthen your lower back as well, is to perform a stability ball squat. To begin, place a stability ball between two of your feet, making sure that the ball is at least three inches in width. If you have a workout bench, this would be a good height to start off with. Next, position yourself with your knees bent, and your back straight. Now take the ball under your body, and roll it forward, while trying to keep your back straight. Make sure that your abdomen is fully contracted, and that your chest remains upright throughout the entire exercise.

woman doing core exercises

Finally

If you are looking to develop a strong core, or to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles overall, you need to incorporate strength training into your daily routine. Fortunately, strength training is not only effective for building muscle mass, but it is also extremely effective at strengthening core-related muscles in the back. Strength training will help you not only improve your physical health but will improve your mental health as well.

So, what is the best way to get started with strength training? While there are a number of options available, most fitness experts and coaches recommend that you start out with resistance training. Resistance training will allow you to target a wide variety of different muscles, which can be beneficial both to your health and to your mental health. It is important to use proper form when performing any type of strength training so that you don’t put too much strain on your back. You should always use free weights, instead of machines, if you want to get the most benefits from strength training in your back and core area.