Archive for October 29th, 2009
All too often, fitness buffs emphasize weight training and cardiovascular workouts at the expense of adequate core conditioning. While there’s no disputing that weightlifting can help you pack on muscle mass and cardio exercises keep you fit and healthy, it’s impossible to get a well-rounded workout without giving your core some attention. Your hips, lower back and abdomen are all essential parts of daily physical activity. By strengthening them, you can improve your balance and stability.
Unlike most exercises, core routines don’t require costly equipment. All you have to do is create some resistance by positioning your body in a certain way. Abdominal crunches are perhaps the best known of all core exercises. To perform crunches, place your feet flat on the floor with the toes touching a wall. Then, with knees and hips bent at right angles, tighten your abs and lift your chest and shoulder off the floor toward the knees.