Abdominals/Core Conditioning Articles

This versatile circuit class can be applied to groups of almost any size and fitness level and is limited only by your ability to organize, instruct and train. Abdominal/Core Circuit Details Format: a circuit that focuses on the abdominals and core Total Time: approximately 30–40 minutes

The stability ball has been used by physical therapists for years, and the fitness industry has fully embraced this tool for group exercise and private training. The stability ball creates an unstable surface and can be used for strength, balance, coordination, agility, core work and flexibility. Some of my favorite exercises challenge both balance and core strength. For review purposes,...

Core conditioning has quickly become a major component of many athletic training programs; however, recent research questions the validity of claims that it enhances athletic ability. The Indiana State University study tested the core strength of 29 NCAA Division I football players and compared the results to the athletes’ abilities in three strength variables and four performance varia...

The core holds the body in alignment and allows the extremities to move in a more efficient and effective manner. Pilates helps increase core strength and stabilization by creating simultaneous demands for strength and flexibility. The result: enhanced movement quality. The body moves the way it was designed to move. The following exercises move progressively from one movement pattern t...

Strong core muscles are vital for helping prenatal participants offset pregnancy-related postural changes that can cause back pain and other discomforts. The following basic exercises are appropriate for virtually all prenatal and postpartum women. The moves are also excellent for...

A strong and stable core is the best foundation for improved strength, endurance, balance and agility. No matter what type of class you teach, you’ll enhance the experience by helping students engage their cores more effectively. These simple exercises can be used in any type of class because they’re performed while standing and do not require equipment. Try them in your warm-up ...

Every aspect of your class is an opportunity to guarantee participants have a reason to return. In my willPower & grace™ class, I take a goal-oriented team appro...

CORE BY LEIGH CREWS Activate and Initiate Use a systematic approach to core training. The core muscles support movement and help stabilize the spine. When designing a training program for the core, include exercises that activate the musculature and initiate movement in different ways, as happens during activities of daily living. This approach varies repetitive stresses and helps prevent injurie...

CORE CONDITIONING TAKES CENTER STAGE Today's core stabilization training programs are a far cry from traditional abdominal workouts. BY AMANDA VOGEL, MA An escalating interest in functional training has made core conditioning one of the hottest new fitness trends. But unlike some fitness trends, core conditioning is more than just a passing fad. In fact, health and fitness experts consider the ri...