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The Importance of the Body Core! By: Jonathan Bille  |
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 We often hear the term body core in reference to exercise, but for most the term seems to be referring to something for ancient Chinese Kung Fu more than it speaks to modern exercise practices. So what is the body core?
The term body core refers to the midsection of the body, from the shoulders to the groin. The body core includes the muscles of the back, chest, abs and pelvis. All body movements, from running to reaching, originate in the body core. Strengthening the body core will not only improve overall health but will also improve the effective use of the body limbs. In addition, a strong body core can help prevent back injuries as well as help prevent injuries that can occur during training and sports activities.
Fortunately, exercises that strengthen the body core do not require any equipment or expensive gym memberships. They can be done in your own home, whenever you have the opportunity. Exercises that strengthen the body core can be defined as any exercise that uses the trunk of your body without external support. Activities like push-ups and sit-ups are the most common body core strengthening exercises.
It is widely recommended that you do your core strengthening exercises at the start of your exercise routine. In the beginning it’s best to start with traditional core strengthening exercises like sit-ups, squat lifts, leg raises and push-ups. Make sure you perform these exercises at controlled rates as to not injure yourself.
After you start to feel your body core get stronger you can start to integrate other, more complex core building exercises that more accurately mimic complex movements. If you are involved in a specific sport, you may choose exercises that closely resemble the types of movements used in that sport. For the average person, slowly increasing the resistance of your core building exercises is enough to enable the core to grow stronger.
It is important to alter the types of core exercises that you do. Different core exercises work different core muscles. Keeping a varied exercise routine will help insure that you are working all the important muscles of the body core.
Many people who do body core exercises not only report an overall rise in strength, accuracy and endurance but also an improvement in overall health and wellbeing. When it comes down to it, it’s called body core for a reason. A strong body core can make a dramatic difference in the performance of not only strenuous activities but also with everyday tasks. A strong body core is the beginning of good health.
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