What’s your Core?
When you ask most people this question, they answer abs. Your abs are only a part of your core which also includes hip flexors, hip adductors/abductors, pelvic floor & lumbar spine. These are the very muscles that can help improve posture, stability and balance-yup all the things we require for running and other sports.
Runners are notorious for neglecting their core and often skip over adding in any exercises to work those muscles. Core work doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes a day and can be done without any equipment.
The trainer that I have worked with for years, really stresses the importance of a few basic core moves. We always include these basic moves into our workouts. Oftentimes, I see an exercise in a magazine that I’d like to try which looks challenging. In theory it looks great but when I try to perform it, I lose the intensity and focus of my core in an attempt to perform it. I end up getting no benefit at all. I would probably be better off sticking to the basics and keeping it simple.
I am sharing with you some of “The Basics” from my KISS my Core (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) Workout
This simple workout hits all the basics of the abs, the glutes & the hips. Hope you enjoy!
( I am not a personal trainer and these exercises are provided for entertainment purposes and should not be considered medical advice )
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I do keep it simple…my fave…PLANKS!
Planks are always good!
Bridges with the stability ball always get me!!! Burns so good! 😉 Thanks for linking up!
They are good!
I”m not a fan of core work, but luckily I like to do things like planks that strengthen the core!
What ever you are doing seems to work for you!
I definitely see the benefit of keeping core work simple and making sure you are doing the exercises with proper form! I do get bored when I do the same thing every day, so I like to switch it up. However, every few weeks I like to go back to the basics again.
Proper form is key for sure!
I like the idea of keeping it simple here. One question — what is a lateral leg raise w/ a bounce? Is that where you raise your leg the whole way, take it down, raise it halfway, take it down, and then all the way back up again?
yes exactly! I guess I should have done some photos with that one.
I keep my core work pretty simple too (because I hate it!). Planks, side planks, maybe some crunches or leg raises. A year ago or so, Your Trainer Paige had a great post on how to brace your core, and if you follow her instructions, a one minute plank (or almost anything really) is much more effective (and hard!). http://www.yourtrainerpaige.com/2014/06/5-ways-to-truly-brace-your-core/
I am going to check that page out! thanks
Planking. Always : )
Those work too!
I love glute bridges, leg raises and v-ups!
The bridges are a great staple for me too
I definitely agree that the basic moves are sometimes the best 🙂 I do these plus planks, squats and clam shells.
I keep forgetting to do my clamshells 🙂
Yes! I love to keep it simple and stick with what works! I love bridges and also all plank variations for core. 🙂
Definitely good too!
Core workouts are super important for all athletes. I was just at the OB this morning for a routine appointment and we discussed how continuing to work on my core even while pregnant is also important. Of course, I’m using modified exercises, but nonetheless its still important.
Oh yes for sure so important!
Simple is good! I cannot get enough core action!
I really like it too!
Definitely a simple core workout! I think anything that works my core wears me out quicker as I don’t have much control there (and can’t see it because of the loose skin).
Every little bit helps!
I do the same– get excited to try new tough moves, but lose the core focus. Thanks for the reminder! Simple is good 🙂
Sometimes it is!
This looks like a great (and simple!) core workout. My core was in such bad shape after my daughter due to Diastasis Recti. I have been working on being more mindful about including core work into most of my workouts.
that is tough to come back from but sounds like you are working hard on it.
Definitely need this. I am one of those that tend to neglect core workouts!
Easy to forget!
As a trainer, I love the fancy crazy exercises, but the SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE ones will get us so much further! And, can’t do the crazy ones without practicing the basics 🙂 GREAT post.
That’s how my trainer explains it to me as well
I agree: we often neglect our core and simple IS better!
Sometimes it is!
I try to keep it simple, but I get distracted LOL!
Yes me too!
I’ve been doing clam shells, but not lateral raises. I’ll try to add those in tomorrow!
great! I think you will like them 🙂
I never enjoy doing core exercises, but I feel so much better when I do them 🙂
I feel great after I do them too!
What a cute name ? I love planks- especially side variations. And boat pose or V-sits.
I always love to see you IG posts of all your moves 🙂
My core is in desperate need for working out! You’re right – keeping it simple is the way to go! Bridges are great!
Sometimes it is!
Great workout.
Thanks! Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go!
Thanks so much for this! I find core to be the hardest for me to find motivation for as well as find a decent workout for since there are SO MANY confusing ones out there!
Keeping it simple is easy and efficient. have a great day!
My favorite is probably planks! Fun workout, thanks for sharing!
Have a great day!
Love all of these exercises. Just a great solid roundup!
Thanks! Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go
I definitely need to do more core work! Keeping it simple helps. I usually do planks. Thanks for a new workout to do!
Sometimes keeping it simple is the way to go!
You are so right that runners forget to work on their core!
I am one of those:(
My sisters and I are supposed to try paddle boarding (hopefully next week) and the 2 of my sisters that have done it say it’s a great core and hip workout. If I end up liking it, I have a feeling a paddle board may be in my future purchases:)
Great post and workout tips~!
Thanks! I love paddle boarding too. Just don’t have that much opportunity to do it around here
I need to start doing more core again. I go through phases with it. Maybe some crunches at the gym today. 🙂
Sounds like a good place to start!
I love to do planks on the stability ball or bosu!
Those are great too!
I’ve been following the workouts in The New Rules of Lifting for Women and I really like the core work it includes.
I haven’t seen that one. I will have to check it out!
Very informative thanks..
Thanks for checking it out!