How to Strengthen Core Muscles

When you exercise, it is very important to strengthen your core muscles as part of your exercise routine. The core muscles include the muscles of the back and the abs. These muscles support the spine and keep your body well-balanced and supported. When you strengthen your core muscles, referred to as building core strength, you will improve your overall fitness and help reduce back pain. Read on to learn how to strengthen core muscles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fitness ball - optional

1. Learn the exercises that strengthen the body's 29 core muscles. Four of the basic exercises that will strengthen the core muscle area are the bridge, abdominal crunch or sit up, plank and quadruped.

2. Choose exercises that simultaneously work the core muscles of your body. This will have a better effect on strengthening your body, rather than doing exercises that isolate each set of muscles.

3. Exercise on a regular basis to benefit the most from core muscle strengthening.

4. Take your exercise regimen slowly, it is better to concentrate on the quality of your exercise movements, instead of how many you are able to complete.

5. Breathe freely when you are exercising to strengthen your core muscles by taking slow, steady breaths.

6. Allow your muscles to rest for a least one day in order to recover, if you have overworked your body to the point of fatigue.

Tips & Warnings

• Balancing on an over-sized fitness ball is an excellent way to strengthen your core muscles.
• Seek help from a trained professional, such as a personal trainer or physical therapist, if you feel that it is needed.
• Remember that strengthening the core muscles is only part of an exercise routine. Aerobic exercises, as well as flexibility training, are important to include in an overall fitness program.

Who Can Help:

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Resources

• Mayo Clinic for Fitness Information