Core Strengthening To Get Strong, Six-Pack Abs

To most people, core strengthening means doing endless ab exercises. That translates into hundreds of crunches and sit-ups. 

But the fact of the matter is that typical abdominal exercises like these are actually counterproductive to strengthening your core.

That’s because your core isn’t just made up of your abs. It actually consists of a number of muscles that support your spine and pelvis.

Aside from getting a flat stomach, there are more practical reasons you’ll want to invest the time in doing core strengthening exercises.

One of the biggest reasons is that having a strong core improves your posture. This is important because good posture is critical to avoiding back, shoulder, and neck injuries.

When you’ve got poor posture (like hunching your shoulders or collapsing your rib cage forward) you’re not using your stabilizing muscles. This means you’re more likely to get injured, even when doing mundane tasks. 

Click Here For The Ultimate Guide To Six Pack Abs

For example, you might know someone hurt their back from doing something as simple as bending over to pick up a piece of trash on the floor. 

The second reason core strengthening is great is it may help reduce back pain. By strengthening once weak and unbalanced muscles, some of the pain goes away.

Finally, core strengthening helps you do everyday tasks like carrying groceries, picking up your child, or moving furniture without getting hurt.

And one more thing…

If you’re an athlete, strengthening your core is critical to minimizing the risk of injury. Plus, you’ll find that having a strong core will give you more functional power and explosive movement.

You don’t need any equipment to do core strengthening. But if you do want a little variety, you should consider getting an ab wheel and or stability ball (those big balls you’ve probably seen at the gym, time and time again!)

Here are four core strengthening exercises you can do:

Core strengthening exercise #1: Superman

To do the superman, lie down on your stomach. Stretch both arms out in front of you. Straighten both your legs behind you. Then lift your head, chest, arms, and legs off the ground. You should feel your lower back tighten. (when doing this correctly, you should look like superman flying through the air). Hold this position for 3 seconds. Then go back to the starting position.

Core Strengthening Exercise #2: Plank

Lie face down on the mat. Keep your elbows bent by your sides, with your hands pointing forward, palms down. Now lift your body by placing your weight on both your forearms and toes. No other body part should be touching the floor. Try to create a straight line with your body from your head to your toes. Tense your abs, like you’re about to get hit in the gut. Start with your knees bent on the mat. Stay in this position for 10 seconds. Go back to the starting position.

Core Strengthening Exercise #3: Side Plank

Lie down on your right side. Bend your right elbow, palm facing down. Place your left leg on top of your right, so they are touching and parallel to each other. Now lift your body as in the plank, using your right forearm and right toes. Lift your hips and maintain a straight line. Hold this position for 10 seconds.

Once you’ve done one set of these three core strengthening exercises, repeat. Ideally, you’ll want to do each exercise at least 5 times. Don’t worry if you can’t do this routine five times at first. 

Start small. Then when you feel comfortable, go for more reps or more time.

Core strengthening has many other health benefits, aside from just helping you get a flat stomach. Make them a regular part of your workout routine and you’ll start to see and feel all the positive benefits.

To a happier, healthier, you!

Franky D.

Are You Tired Of Dieting? If you answered "yes" then I highly recommend you check out the Truth About Abs -- the ultimate guide to getting a six pack. You'll discover the 5 ab secrets you've been missing out on... and get the nutritional advice you need to finally shed that fat. Best of all, you can try the same program that's worked for countless others, risk free. Click here to go check it out now!