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Performing regular core workouts is essential for everyone - from serious competitive athletes to those who are just looking to be a little healthier.
Core workouts are vital, because this area of the body must be strong, whatever you do. Athletes need to perform core workouts because of the demands that any sport place on the body - whether you are running, jumping, kicking or swinging a racket, all movements originate at the core.
However, keeping this area strong is just as important for non-athletes. Strengthening the abs and low back not only protects against injury, it also makes it easier to perform everyday actions like climbing the stairs and carrying groceries.
A good program for this area should include a number of different elements:
- Variety: Simply doing a hundred sit ups a couple of times a week is not enough. It is essential to do a variety of exercises that work the area in different ways.
- Instability: One of the best advances in recent years has been the increase in the use of instability equipment. Items like stability discs, exercise balls, and the BOSU have offered a new and interesting way to work this area - instability forces the muscles to work harder, and in planes of motion that better reflect real life.
- Dynamic AND static exercises: The muscles in this area have two functions to perform - static and dynamic. At times you will need them to hold you strong and steady for a long period (sitting and driving a car for example), while at other times they will support fast, dynamic movements (such as a tennis serve). That means that your training must include both dynamic movements like crunches and twists, alongside static exercises like planks.
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