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Core Exercises for Hard Core Results

Core exercises, those designed to strengthen your core, or trunk include those that work your abdominals, back and pelvis. If having a chiseled or toned core is your goal, you can start immediately with no equipment whatsoever. There are many core exercises that are easy for beginners to tackle as well as more advanced ones for the veteran.

While some gyms have a special section set aside for core exercises, you can do many of these at home. For example, sit upright in a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Begin by pulling your right knee to the left side of your chest without using your hands and hold it for 10 seconds. As you do this pivot your back slightly. Repeat by pulling your left knee to the right side of your chest and hold it for 10 seconds. See if you can do 10 reps on each side and build up from there.

Doing push-ups or variations of the traditional push-ups are core exercises. Try getting into the push-up position with only the balls of your feet and your forearms touching the floor. Hold this position for several seconds or as long as it is comfortable to do so.

There are several types of core exercises you can do using the stability ball. There are specific workouts you can do for your back and abdominals including variations on the push-up using the exercise ball. Beginners may wish to hold on to a wall at the outset for some of these ball exercises just until you feel comfortable. You might even begin by just balancing on the stability ball before you try any particular exercises. Balancing on these exercise balls is a work-out in strength training and can help strengthen your core.

If you're interested in doing more advanced core exercises, you may consider employing the services of a personal trainer, at least in the beginning. Whenever you work with a trainer, it is important to communicate up front about your expectations and the results you expect to achieve. By the same token, your trainer will have expectations too and it is important to make sure you are on the same page.

Core exercises can also strengthen your back and help to reduce back pain. While we all want to look good, it's just as important or even more important to feel good. Because your center of gravity is located in the core of your body, it's important to have a strong core for balance and stability. On the other hand, without doing any core exercises, you could wind up with a weak core, which could lead to pain, muscle weakness and injury.

Don't think though that you can simply strengthen your core and then let it alone because it is now strong. It doesn't work that way. Just like the rest of your muscles, your 29 core muscles need a regular work-out in order to stay strong.

Doing core exercises can be your start to a pathway leading to a healthier lifestyle with rewarding changes that can have physical as well as psychological benefits. If you feel well, you're going to be in a much better mood than if you're feeling poorly. Additionally, just starting an exercise regimen is enough to boost your self-esteem which will continue to rise as you perfect your new skill.

Finally, when you start noticing the very real changes that are taking place in your body as a result of your hard work, not only are you going to feel better physically but your entire sense of well-being will improve.