Concentrate on Your Core
Whenever you walk or run, your core muscles are active, keeping you upright, balancing your body as your weight shifts and absorbing the impact as your feet hit the ground. Your body's core forms the foundation of all your movement. If your core is weak, you are susceptible to poor posture and injury. Lower back pain is also more likely to occur.
Your core muscles lie deep within your torso and pelvis. They are layered, overlapping and connected to each other.
Unlike weight lifting, a core-strengthening program exercises your whole system at once. You also don't need any equipment. The strength you use in holding a position - as well as the gravitational pull of your own weight - work out the core muscles. You'll be surprised at how great an effect a simple routine can have on your daily living activities.
The Core Benefits
The major core muscle is called the transversus abdominis. It is deep in your abdomen and circles your torso. To feel it contract, pull your belly button toward your spine. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. You can do this exercise anytime, anywhere.
Breathing is important while you do core exercises. Practice breathing deeply from your diaphragm before starting core exercises. Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Exhale through your mouth for six seconds, expelling as much air from your lungs as you can. Then inhale for six counts, feeling your belly and chest expand as your lungs fill with air. Repeat three times, then breathe at a more normal pace throughout your exercises.
The following core exercises are simple enough to do on your own. To be safe, you should always check with your doctor before trying any new exercises.
• Leg Press. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and the soles of your feet on the floor. Raise your right leg off the floor with the knee still bent until your leg forms a 90-degree angle. Rest your right hand on the kneecap. Push against your knee with your right hand while pulling your knee toward your hand with your abdominal muscles. Hold for three-four deep breaths. Repeat with the left leg and hand.
• Abdominal Crunch. Lie on your back and place your feet on the wall, so that your knees form a 90-degree angle. Cross your arms on your chest. Keep your gaze fixed forward. Using your abdominal muscles - not your neck - lift your chest as far as you can off the floor, even if it is only an inch or two. Hold for two-three seconds if you can, then release. Repeat eight times. Remember to breathe deeply throughout this exercise.
For more core strengthening exercises and easy to follow pictures, visit MayoClinic.com and do a search for "core exercises." To enroll in a course that strengthens core muscles, try Pilates. To find an instructor near you, search the Pilates Method Alliance Web site.
The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) is the only major cancer charity focusing exclusively on the link between diet, nutrition and cancer. The Institute provides a wide range of consumer education programs that help millions of Americans learn to make changes for lower cancer risk. AICR also supports innovative research in cancer prevention and treatment at universities, hospitals, and research centers across the U.S. The Institute has provided more than $70 million in funding for research in diet, nutrition and cancer.
AICR is a member of the World Cancer Research Fund International.
