RESTORE YOUR CORE and Be STRONGER from the INSIDE-OUT

I've been talking a lot lately about the importance of our core, and how a strong core has such an incredible impact on all aspects of our life.  When in training sessions my clients will often hear me say "a strong core = a strong body".  When we engage our core during exercise we will be stronger in all of the movements that we are using, allowing us to maximize each movement and make progress building strength throughout the entire body.

I have noticed so many benefits of focusing on my core.  I recently wrote about how my new found core strength has had an incredible influence on my snow boarding (you can read it HERE), and I know that I'll continue to feel the benefits in my kayaking this summer.  I notice how my core works for me when I'm shoveling snow, lugging heavy groceries into the house, or simply sitting on the floor comfortably.  

Did you know that having a strong core will make you a better runner?  I'm always thrilled to hear from our clients who are runners.  When they first start their training program they will talk about focusing on building strength in their legs as well as cardiovascular conditioning, but before long they'll start to notice how their stronger core is allowing them to hit PRs and enjoy their running more.

Your core also influences how you breathe.  When your core is strong, the muscles in your torso are more balanced – and that leads to having a stronger diaphragm and better posture.

Both of those factors can help you take deeper breaths. According to the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, deeper breaths help you relax and reduce stress. (win-win!)
 
And if you haven’t tried belly breathing (taking a few minutes to breathe slowly and deeply in and out of your belly and up through your lungs), try it! You’ll be amazed at how quickly it helps you to relax.

Your core will also help you with balance.  So many people will comment on how they have terrible balance.  Balance is something that we have to work on, and working on a strong core will help your balance improve.  A strong core helps you stand up straight with better posture, and in doing so you will improve your proprioceptors, which improves your body's awareness of where it is in space.

And if this isn't enough, a strong core will also allow you to live an active and agile life, allowing you to move with less aches and pains.  When our core is strong we avoid slouching, keeping all of our joints aligned.  Think about how a slouched posture impacts an elderly person's ability to move.  This is something that you can avoid if you are aware of your posture NOW and support it through a strong core.

This topic is SO important we created a resource guide for you that will help you build that core strength and improve your posture with some simple exercises that you can do at home!

Click HERE or the image below to download your copy of our Restore Your Core Guide.

Core exercises are especially important if you’ve had an injury; sit or stand all day at work; spend much time in front of a steering wheel, computer, or phone; or if you’re a new mom.
 
All of those factors can lead to muscular imbalances that, after a while, can contribute to pain and even injury.
 
Training your core properly can help counteract all that, plus have you standing taller and feeling more confident!
 
Feel free to share this guide with your friends, family or coworkers who might benefit from it!  I hope you find this information helpful and enjoy this resource guide!

To your health!