Simple ways to improve your core strength

Core strength is a term that is often banded about; ‘he doesn’t look tough’ but he’s got core strength‘. Core strength improves your ability to perform a range of physical tasks and the core muscles are the ones collected around your navel; your abdominal, back and pelvic muscles.

CRUNCHES (EXERCISE)

One of the simplest ways to improve your core strength is to do a few crunches – don’t worry, these aren’t as difficult as their reputation suggests. Just lie down, place your feet on a wall, and slowly lift you head and shoulders from the ground, holding the position for three seconds. Doing this exercise for a few minutes every day will do wonders for your core strength.

EGGS (FOOD)

When you’re looking to build any kind of muscle, it’s essential to consume lots of protein and any bodybuilder will tell you that eggs are the ultimate muscle food. They contain cholesterol and leucine, both of which have been proven to accentuate the development of muscle. Eat plenty when you’re on a fitness regime and notice the benefit.

PILATES (EXERCISE)

Although tagging along with your other half to her pilates class probably won’t appeal to you, it’s a brilliant way of building up your core strength. Unlike core strength exercises like sit-ups or crunches, pilates also focuses on control, balance and self-discipline – enabling the practitioner to exceed their physical limitations and become stronger through simple exercises.

LOVEMAKING (SOCIAL)

You’ve probably heard it before, but making love is often cited as the best exercise. Often the more difficult positions require significant athleticism and it’s these positions, found in texts such as the Kama Sutra or The Joy of Sex, that can help develop core strength as well as burning calories.

SUPERMAN (EXERCISE)

The superman exercise is one of the most famous core strengthening exercise – and again it can be done without the need for weights or any other accessories. Simply lie face-down on a carpeted floor, or yoga mat and stretch your arms out in front of you, elevating them as you do so. Holding this position, slowly elevate your legs so that only your stomach is touching the mat. It’s difficult, but very effective.

CYCLING (TRAVEL & EXERCISE)

Cycling is obviously a great way to exercise and has been encouraged in numerous cities as an initiative to reduce congestion and pollution. Cycling itself is not that brilliant for core strength – though it does help. What cycling does though is build up your calf and thigh muscles, enabling you to embark on core strength routines that would otherwise be gruelling to do with underdeveloped legs.