Working your core in different ways is key to hitting all the different muscles and one way we often neglect, but works instantly is BALANCE. Not only will it force you to tighten your core right away, but improve your running.
Abs and Legs Workout
Do core 2-3 times per week
12 -15 reps on each side x 2
Lunge to Lift
Feet hip width apart, lunge to the right and reach left hand to toe. Tighten your core and transfer weight to the left foot, raise left arm to the side and right knee in front. (Add a light weight for more strength!)
Curtsy Lunge
Step left leg behind right with arms overhead side crunch to the right. Stabilize your core and lift left leg up and out to the side then bend to left.
Lunge with Rotation
Step forward with right leg and rotate left elbow towards right knee. Rotate back to facing forward and step back to standing.
Now repeat on the other side!
How often do you work your core?
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Annette
Wow, if I didn't know how important core was before, I do now! Thanks for sharing!
My recent post A Brief Hiatus
Krysten
My external oblique's need work! I am going to try to do more side planks! Great info girl!
The Chi-Athlete
WONDERFUL anatomy lesson! I am beginning a new training cycle that will be more strict with corework. I used to be very diligent with it — my core is still a monster.:D
My recent post The Weekend That Got Away
RunToTheFinish
you know I totally go through phases where I am really good and then slack off, so back at it!!
My recent post Understanding Your Core + Legs and Abs Workout
Janelle
I definitely need to focus on my core – thanks for the moves!
thisrunnersrecipes
More core work i goal right now – it's easy to slack off when training is demanding so I like to focus on it whenever my mileage goes down to rebuild that habit. Love the workout!
My recent post Mile Markers 11/9/2015 – 11/15/2015
Shannon
Great info, Amanda! I need to start doing these exercises, I know they will help out with my running.
My recent post Monday Musings: Sinus Infections
Katiesfitscript
Oh my goodness, I didn't know people could die from a weak core! haha! I feel like I have a strong core, but I honestly never work it so it's odd. I guess just genetic!
My recent post Thunder Road Marathon Recap
Angela @ happy fit mama
Core work is at the epicenter of my PT workouts. It’s the foundation for everything!
vitatrain4life
Two – three times per week, although it should be more! Love how you broke this all down and set the record straight!! It's so, so important for runners.
My recent post The Rundown – Perspective
whostardis
core strength has been my focus the past month and will be the rest of the year. i didnt realize how weak those muscles were until i took a core class and was struggling so much!!
a traveling Wife
Thanks for the clarification on the difference between core and abs. I feel like that gets confused so often and I KNOW there are people that believe if they have a 6-pack, then their core is extremely strong. :)
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