LeoLady! Lets talk shop...

Hey L,

Talk to me about Core. What's your current Core workout?

Hola VH!!!

Core, huh? Well, let's not talk current... It's been a bit lacking to say the least. 😢

But, I tend to switch up my training on a regular basis so it varies. Honestly, I don't focus on a lot of isolated abdominal exercises because regardless of what muscle group I am focusing on, I am working the core muscles at some point. I train in a very athletic manner. I focus on one muscle group per day and I like to incorporate plyometric and bootcamp/crossfit style movements into my regular weight training. When Im doing these type of movements, I am utilizing the core muscles often.

For example, on leg day... I will do some basic weight training exercises and superset them with some plyometric movements such as box jumps, split squat jumps, tuck jumps, mountain climbers, etc. These incorporate use of my core muscles and also get my heart rate up from the range of motion in the movements.

Then maybe on shoulder day, I will incorporate in bear crawls or walk out pushups or maybe stand on a balancing platform and bounce a heavy medicine ball to either side catching it high in the air (shoulders) and twisting my torso from side to side bouncing the ball on either side of the platform (twisting the torso to hit the core muscles).

Chest day, I will maybe do some burpees or some clap push-ups, etc.

A really good way to hit the core muscles is to use the stability ball or medicine ball in a lot of your exercises. I like to hit my lower back by doing supermans on the stability ball. Plank positions movements and I do a lot of pike position leg raises on a bench or in a hanging position.


Im about to head out, but I'll post more later. Feel free to comment or ask further.

Hope this helps!!!

Sorry VH.... Ive been swamped lately and my time online has been limited.

Anything you want to ask or have me elaborate on, or did this give you what you were looking for?

Hey L 🙂

I didn't see your latest reply until this morning. Sorry for being unresponsive!

It's good for now. Your suggestions are for more interesting than my boring ass crunches and lunges lol. Be nice to add a change a few different things in the routine. Any that you think have direct impact on balance? Strangely enough, that's what I'm looking for.

Balance huh? Oh yeah. Using the stability ball is great for balance. Also, a Bosu balance trainer is awesome for balance along with domes, wobble boards, discs, etc. Your gym probably has a Bosu ball or some form of these, I would suppose. They make for awesome work outs too. You'd be surprised at all the various exercises you can do with these, using resistance bands, dumbells, and weighted medicine balls.

Google some stability exercises and equipment. IMO... these are the best for core strength and balance improvement.