Core strengthening exercises actually use several muscles groups to get that solid and toned look around the midsections of our bodies. Exercises for this area involve the entire body and you will feel the core muscles engage and stretch. These are great strength builders for the expert exerciser to the novice. The purpose of core strengthening exercises is to concentrate on the core muscles, while include a full body workout.

The best way to describe core strengthening exercises is balance. You are either balancing on a piece of equipment or using your own body to balance. That’s the key, as your entire body attempts to balance with these exercises; your core abdominal muscles are getting a good work out. Remember to follow the basic rules to workouts, always breath; your muscles need oxygen and more the better as you work the muscles. The second rule is to keep the vision of your belly button touching your spine, holding those muscles to intensify the workout.

Exercise

The first is called the plank because your body looks like a plank, as straight as possible. Face down on the floor, lift your body and keep your back completely flat from head to toe. Your hands should be directly in line with your shoulders and be on your toes. You will be able to tell its working because your abdominal area will feel the tension, hold and breath, staying in a straight line form. If you are up for a challenge, you can lift one leg to hip level and hold it for a slow count of 10.

The next is an alternative to sit ups with less strain to your neck but just as much of a workout. Sit on the floor and slowly lift your legs and arms are the same time, while you balance to form a 45 degree angle. Use your abdominal muscles, picture holding your belly button against your spine and keep your legs in position, while you reach with a straight back for your ankles. If you are just starting to work out, you can place your hands on your calves to help balance, just be sure to keep a straight back and let those abdominal muscles do the work. Hold the position for a count of 10 and slowly come back to the starting position and repeat the exercise.

Always have water so that you are hydrated before, during and after your work out. Take it slow in the beginning and allow yourself to increase the hold time and repetition for each exercise.

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