Real Core Strength Training

By: Darvin J. Hooey Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Your core is the foundation of all of your body's mpvements, and it is therefore critical that everyone takes part in some form of core strength training. Many believe this to mean you have to do a ton of of sit ups, but sit ups are not nearly enough! This article was created to try to clear up some of the falacies people have about what makes up the core and what the proper training methodology is. By training your core the proper way, you have the opportunity to improve the quality of every type of move your body makes. This is how crucial your core is!
What Does the Core Consist Of?
There's more to the core than just your abs. You have to come to grips with this before you can create an effective core strength training program. The core is often defined as every muscle group from your groin to your shoulders, including your chest. While this seems logical, my list will not include the chest. Here's the remainder of the major muscle groups of the core:
Hip Muscles

Gluteus maximus, medius and minimus: your behind/hip area

Hip flexors: front of pelvis

Pectineus: top inner thigh

Spinal Muscles

Erector Spinae: run along your neck down to your lower back

Multifidus: run under the erector spinae

Abdominals

Rectus Abdominis: your hidden "six-pack", the front of your abs

Obliques: side to front of abdomen

Transverse Abdominis: run under your obliques and around spine

Benefits of Core Strength Training
As I stated before, your core is the foundation of all of the movements your limbs make. Here's a short list of some of the real-life, athletic benefits of core training:

Better balance and stability (like a house, a stronger foundation, creates a stronger structure overall)

Better body control

Greater movement efficiency

Greater power in your movements (i.e., more explosive)

Reduced risk of injury (your reduces the effects of force and impact on the body)

Better athletic performance

This is not an article about lower back exercise in particular, but lower back pain and injuries can often be attributed to a lack of core strength training! With that said, what's an effective way to train your core?
Core Training Exercises
Traditional

Balance/Stability ball Exercises

Balance board work

Back Extensions

Sit-ups

I am proof positive that these exercises absolutely work, but you might not have the equipment you need, or you may be sick of doing sit-ups! If this is the case for you, or you simply prefer at home workouts, here are some less traditional yoga moves you can use to solidify your core.
Less Traditional

Bridge Pose

Revolved Abdominal Pose

Leg Lifts

Half Boat Pose

Plank Pose

Bow Pose

These exercises can be done at home without equipment and are excellent for core strength training purposes. Beyond being the most effective core training program I've used, yoga also improves flexibility, strength and coordination throughout your body! If you are truly interested in full body fitness, you should read my article on yoga for beginners.

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: If you truly wish to succeed at being in the best shape of your life, then you must visit the world's best resource. Go to Next Level Yoga immediately, to see how easily it can be done with at home workouts!