Getting To The Core Of Personal Fitness
Although we all embark on our personal fitness regimes with the best of intentions, it’s a fact that most humans who start a diet or open a gym membership, will end up abandoning their plans before they get the full benefit. There are multiple potential reasons for this, but an under-discussed one is that, all too often, we aren’t building from a solid base. In fitness terms, this often translates as not having done the necessary work on our core.
Core strength is the base from which all other fitness work can grow, and without doing the right work to build your core, attempting a more ambitious regime is not unlike trying to assemble flat-pack furniture while standing on one leg. Unless you’ve got the basics right, you’re not going to get very far with the rest of it. So, what do you need to do to make sure your core is everything it should be?
At-home exercises
It’s surprising just how many beneficial exercises you can do without having to spend money on gym memberships or expensive equipment. The even better news is that, when it comes to strengthening your core, there are a few routines you can follow that will benefit your core strength hugely. A standard sit-up, for example, will boost your stomach and abdominal muscles – essential for core strength – while a basic bridge, as shown below, can also make a huge difference.
Yoga
If you want to strengthen your core and become more flexible – which will ensure the best results from any exercise regime you embark upon – then yoga is indispensable. If you’ve never tried it, it’s easy for beginners to pick up. Start with Hatha classes, which will give you the grounding you need. You can get more specialized from there, and the benefits to your overall fitness will only increase. If you’re worried about it being too complex, don’t be – beginner yoga is very straightforward.
Diet
Last but not least, the way you eat will have repercussions for your core, so it is a good idea to focus on foods that build muscle, avoid snacking, and drink plenty of water. A good diet for your core will include lots of lean protein – grilled chicken and fish such as salmon are preferable – and plenty of leafy greens. You also can’t go wrong with avocado, and adding this to a salad will help you to get the perfect nutrition kick. Things to be avoided include any sugar, and carbs such as bread and pasta, as these are likely to turn to fat which will be stored around your abdomen.
If you want to accelerate your gym routine for the fastest possible results, then it is essential to realize that you won’t get there without first focusing on making your core as strong as it can be. Get to that point and work from there, and you’ll never look back.
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