We have heard about the importance of a strong core, but what does that mean? Your core is the central part of your body that includes your stomach, lower back, hips, and pelvis. These muscle group areas work together to give you stability in your daily movements and during physical activity.
Some benefits of completing core strengthening exercises and improving your core strength can include:
- Better stability and balance
- Prevention of injury or pain
- Better posture
- Making daily activities easier to do – getting in and out of a vehicle, picking up something off the ground, etc.
- Improved sports performance
- Convenience – no gym or extra equipment is needed to complete these exercises
Adding core strengthening exercises can be simple! Here are a few exercises that you could add to your routine.
Bridges: Laying with your back flat on the floor, bend your legs so your knees are pointed up, and place your feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your hips from the floor until they make a straight line from your back to your knees. Slowly lower your hips to the floor and repeat.
Bird Dogs: Begin with your hands and knees on the floor. Looking forward, slowly extend your hand and opposite leg until parallel to the floor. Repeat raising the opposite arm and leg.
Knee-to-Elbow Touches: Standing with feet shoulder–width apart, place hands behind your head, elbows out. Bring your knee and opposite elbow to the middle of your body until almost touching. Repeat this movement with your opposite knee and elbow.
Good Mornings: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, cross your arms over your chest and hinge at the hips. Keep your back straight and knees soft (not locked). Lower your torso toward the floor, stopping when parallel to the floor. Bring yourself back to standing and repeat.
Woodchops: Stand with your feet in a wide stance and reach both hands overhead to the left or right. Reach across your body and down to your opposite ankle. Repeat this movement, reaching high and low to the opposite ankle.
Adding a few of these simple exercises each day can help improve your core strength and make day-to-day movements easier. Give them a try!
By, Coach Sarah