"Core" Facts 

by Lynn Gray

How important are the core muscles?  Critically so.  The six abdominal muscles provide the support needed so that the rest of the body stays in alignment.  A strong core is the "trunk" of the tree;  giving one balance, improved posture, plus assists the breathing process.  How do we make our core/abdominals stronger?

*  The importance of the crunch;  forget the old style sit up with your hands behind the head yanking you upward.  The neck and back will suffer.  Think of lifting the abdominals into the air.  Go for the slight upward movement of lifting the shoulder blades off the floor together with the hip flexors and lower back.

*  Enhance the crunch with a downward slant board or legs in an upward position.  Go for 8-10 repetitions and hold the position for 5 seconds when the muscle(s) "burn is felt.

*  The weakest link of abdominal work is the back.  Until your back muscles are strong, the abdominal lifting will create back pain.  Thus, flip over and begin doing 4-5 yoga Cobra back exercises.

*  The six pack look;  no can have until fat deposits are removed via distance aerobic exercise and eating less.  Period.  With less calories and 35 min. or more steady walking or running, body fat will dissapate and muscle definition will begin revealing itself.