Kurt Elder of Energy F/X Fitness demonstrates a movements using Suspension Straps. This type of training is great for variety, including more core activation, and just an overall great way to improve the quality of your workouts. Here I’m using the Jungle Gym XT.
Let's Add Another One To The List
I know you've heard it over and over again, but I'm unfortunately going to say it again. I hope I don't offend you in the process:
Transforming your body (think getting rid of body fat) is 80% nutrition
Having a fit body (think being able to do the things you truly like and not risk getting hurt) is 70-80% core fitness
Sometimes people jump to conclusions, so let me be really specific so I don't get misquoted.
Yes, you can do less than 80% on your nutrition and still get results. The problem is I have only met a hand full of people that are willing to train that hard, or the person has incredible genetics and doesn't have to work that hard. And by the way, there are very few people in the latter group.
Most of us do have to monitor what we eat and how much. It's part of the process. If you want your body to change you have to do something different than you've been doing, to get results. Keep doing the same thing and expecting different results is . . . .
Well, you know what that's called.
So it stands to reason that if you want to avoid back pain, you're going to have to do something different than those monotonous crunches. Sure you'll feel a burn in your midsection, but that doesn't mean you're really training your core effectively. I fell asleep on my arm the other day and when I woke up it tingled. But I'm pretty sure that didn't mean I had trained my arm effectively.
If you haven't been training core and need some movements to help get you started, check out You Tube Channel. Or stay tuned because next month, each Friday, I'll be sharing with you some core movements using the Swiss Ball. It's a great next step after doing the one's listed on my channel.
Now, if you've been training core you already know the benefits and importance of doing those movements regularly. But once in a while it's nice to throw in a little variety to keep things interesting and motivating.
Here's another one to add to the list.
Need A New Exercise?
A hammer breaks glass, but forges steel. -- old Russian proverb
TGIF!
Hope you had a great week and this year is starting off well for you.
I want to make sure you have plenty of motivation and variety to keep you moving forward in your quest to transform your body. Some of that comes in the form of information, tips and tricks, and some of it comes in the form of giving you new exercises to keep your choices fresh. I know for me it's what allows me to keep myself motivated and pushing myself to the next level.
Last week I shared with you a couple of movements utilizing the suspension straps (Jungle Gym XT). This week I'd like to share another movement that is specifically for the core.
All too often people believe that doing endless sets of crunches and other assorted crunch type movements is all they need for a strong core.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Training your core properly takes more than crunches. In fact, in the not too distant future, most people serious about training their core/abs, will do fewer and fewer crunches. The truth of the matter is crunches are towards the bottom of the list when it comes to training your core/abs effectively. Research is beginning to show that crunches, the way most people do them, is actually damaging to your spine and creates lower back pain. With so many choices out there to train your abs/core effectively and not risk damaging your spine, why bother taking the risk?
If you need some other ideas on how to train your core/abs effectively and not risk back injury, check out My You Tube Channel. The core exercises are specified in the title.
As the quote above suggests, you have to use the right tool for the right job. Strengthen your core without damaging your spine.