When most people hear "core strength" they think of those 6-pack abs they're hoping to get. That's not what we're talking about. Our first goal is to strengthen our "inner core" or our "seat belt" muscles. These are the muscles that stabilize our spine and hold our bodies together. Believe it or not, everything we do uses our core. If our core isn't strong, and we try to strength train or lift something heavy, our chances of injury go through the roof!
So how can you strengthen your core?
Easier than you think. When I design a "phase 1" program for a client, almost every exercises is a core exercise...even though we don't do a single sit-up! It's true, here are some examples of exercises that will increase core strength:
1) Instead of doing a bench press lying down, do a cable press standing up. Concentrate on keeping your head, shoulders and hips in line with each other by tightening your core muscles.
2) Instead of doing a seated rowing exercises, do a standing cable row, using the same "core stabilization" technique you used with the cable press.
These are just 2 examples, there are plenty more! If you want more exercises, just ask!
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