Top 5 Core Stability Exercises
Saturday, February 20th, 2010Improving core stability means improving torso strength by training muscles that make up your torso. Some muscles that help are responsible for core stability are muscles near the spine, internal and external obliques, and of course abdominal muscles. Why would you want to improve these torso muscles?
Any good set of exercise routines include core strengthening exercises. The purpose of this is to improve your overall fitness level and help avoid injuries. Without strong core muscles to support your bones, you will be prone to back and neck pains even while doing normal daily activities.
One of the most important aspects of core stability training programs is that you need to address all muscle groups of the torso in a balanced way. Here are the five best exercises that will give you a good starting point.
1. Straight Crunch. Although old fashion, the straight crunch helps strengthen the “6-pack abs” section of your torso.
2. Crossover Crunch. The crossover crunch is a great exercise that adds a twist of the upper body to the straight crunch movement. This strengthens the muscles that are on the side and front of the abdomen.
3. Back Extension. The back extension exercise is performed lying on your stomach, and contracting the back muscles that run along your spine.
4. Arm Sweep. This exercise targets the obliques. Start by sitting down in a slightly leaned-back manner then start moving your arms in a helicopter style circle while twisting your upper body left and right around your hips.
5. Plank or Push-Up. Finally, the plank or push-up exercises address the “transverse abdominis”, the muscles that are lying in the depth of your abdomen, wrapping around the spine. These muscles protect and stabilize your spine most directly and are crucial in avoiding back pains.
When you mix up these five exercises in a balanced way, you will favor certain muscle groups in each exercise while addressing the “complete package” of core strength training. For best results it may be advisable to use a personal trainer, particularly when you first start with your core stability training. With the help of a trainer you can also venture into more advanced exercises to maintain good core strength.
Looking to find the fastest way to lose weight, then visit tweakfit.com to find out how using a Timex heart rate monitor in your workout routines can help boost your weight loss.