Strengthen Your Core with These Moves
Developing and maintaining a strong core is essential to staying physically fit. Your core – which includes your hips, back and chest in addition to your abdomen – provides the foundation upon which most other activity depends. Having a strong core can also improve balance and prevent injury. This is of particular importance as we grow older. The Curves circuit is designed to address these needs as part of an overall physical fitness regimen.
Abdominal exercises
Have you ever been sore the day after cleaning the garage or planting a garden? If so you’ve experienced the consequences of a weak back or delicate abs. Curves has you covered with a move specifically designed to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles. From a seated position, you move smoothly in a motion similar to doing a sit-up. Done as part of your regular Curves workout, 30 seconds is all it takes to build these muscles and keep them strong.
The obliques
The oblique muscles are those on each side of the abdomen. They are used in all side-to-side and bending motion from your waist. Just like the abdominal and back muscles, strong obliques are necessary for a solid core. The Curves circuit works your obliques with specialized equipment that keeps your body positioned perfectly for maximum results. The oblique machine is one of the best oblique workouts you can get.
Everyday activities to strengthen your core
Although working out on equipment that is specifically designed to impact certain muscle groups is a great way to strengthen your core, there are some things you can do in your everyday life that will build these muscles as well.
- Stand up straight! That’s right; simply by being aware of your posture and making an extra effort to stand up straight and tall, you will actually be strengthening your core. Practice walking or sitting with your stomach pulled in and your shoulders held back. Breathe deeply and carry on with your normal activities. Although this may feel odd at first, with enough practice you’ll find yourself doing it automatically.
- Swivel in your chair. Take advantage of long meetings or conference calls by putting your office furniture to work for you. Hold onto your desk or table with both hands. Now, slowly swivel your chair from side to side for a full oblique stretch.
- Act like a bird. Just as having a strong core will improve your balance, practicing balance will strengthen your core. When you’re just standing in line or chatting on the phone, lift one foot slightly off the floor – like a flamingo – and work to keep your balance. It might not be as easy as it sounds!
Maintaining a strong core isn’t just for bodybuilders or fitness junkies. It’s a smart, healthy way for maturing adults to prevent debilitating back injuries and falls due to balance issues. It only takes a few minutes a day – at Curves, at work, or at play.
The Curves women’s gym workout is convenient, combining strength training and cardio plus stretching – all in just 30 minutes – to strengthen your whole body. For more information about Curves and the full body workouts the Curves Circuit provides, visit ‘Why Curves’.
