Your body’s core, which starts at the pelvis and continues through the shoulders, is the center of the universe in terms of your body. This area is full of muscles most of us have never been aware of or felt, but every movement we do involves our core at some level. This is where most of our strength comes from – not to mention balance and agility. But core training doesn’t simply mean adding in some extra crunches or back extensions to your workout, it can be much more fun.

Here are some recommendations from the experts at Life Fitness on how to incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your routine.

• Posture Perfect: While running or walking, maintain an upright posture. Life Fitness suggests keeping your back flat and your shoulder retracted to strengthen back and gut muscles. Focusing your gaze on something right in front of you while running or walking can help you maintain an erect posture. Also try to maintain a 90 degree angle in your elbow when doing cardio training. When running on a treadmill, keep hands loose and at waist level. This will keep your posture straight and relaxed.
  
  
• Get Off Balance: Bring some added intensity to your traditional strength-training routine by getting away from firm ground. Incorporating a stability ball or balance trainer forces the body, primarily the core, to work a little harder to maintain its position. Try these balance props with free weights or a pulley-based system like the Life Fitness Dual-Adjustable Pulley and feel the difference. Example: sit on a stability ball while performing the shoulder press reps. While your arms push the resistance, your midsection flexes to remain balanced on the ball, toning your core.

 

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