The Core
Your Core or Torso is the “Power Center” of your body! Your core and its strength help your abs and back work together in order to support your spine. Your core and its strength help you move and function every day. It is Amazing what your Core can do for You!
I thought the exercising I was doing was doing good things for my body. However, in pushing my body to new limits I was actually doing more harm than good at times. Breathing; who needs to know how to inhale and exhale. Posture; it is good enough. Form and function; went out the window at times to get it done. Movements and mechanics; just going with the flow here. At least I was doing something to get in shape, right! Boy did I have blinders on!
Getting to the CORE! (Photo by RSheridan)
I am trying to do away with bad habits and form some really great habits when it comes to exercising now, especially since experiencing an injury. The main lesson I have learned about my core is that gaining strength in that area improves how I move as well as live my life. My main goal in strengthening my core is reducing the risk of injury as well as being able to function better.
To have stability and balance once again will be my ultimate success! Say “Hello!” to some tools that just may become your best buds when exercising. There is that BOSU thingie that I have a love/hate relationship with. There is the stability balls and balance disks (I sit on a balance disk at work).
CRAVESAdventure 
April 17th, 2013 at 7:42 AM
My hubby has always said just so long as your core is strong you can do anything.
🙂 Mandy xo
April 17th, 2013 at 8:39 AM
Mandy –
Wise Man Indeed!
Have a Great Day:) – Renee
April 17th, 2013 at 8:50 AM
Any chance you could provide details on your exercise program? I’d love to hear what works and what doesn’t.
April 17th, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Audrey –
I am finally getting a total body workout – cardio, strenghth, stretch. My main focus has been strengthening my core over the past months. It has allowed me to be more aware of my posture, body mechanics and body movements. I have the ability to correct myself now, so I do not hurt myself.
The key for me was working out for me and not my body for me! Just tuning into how I feel overall. For me I have to do a combination of eating right and getting exercise in throughout the week.
Take Care – Renee
April 17th, 2013 at 9:32 AM
I used to scoff at planking until I tried it myself, oh boy did it ever teach me a lesson lol
April 17th, 2013 at 9:34 AM
Andy –
I hear you with planks as well as burpees – ha! I do not mind squats and lunges now that I know how to do them correctly.
Take Care – Renee
April 17th, 2013 at 9:57 AM
Awesome! Core work is hard, but pays off like crazy! I find the absolute best exercises are planks and push-ups, which, coincidentally are two of the worst inventions in the history of inventions.
Great post misses, and I supporting you all the way! x
April 17th, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Vanessa –
It is AMAZING to have strength in my core again! Who knew one could find a balance and enjoy exercising again. You are a runner and running just baffles me (just do not get it). Here’s to the CORE!!!
Take Care – Healthy Living:) – Renee
April 17th, 2013 at 3:14 PM
Ah yes – the core! I do alot of Pilates, which strongly emphasizes the core. It makes a huge difference. Good for you!
April 17th, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Paula –
Pilates is a GREAT Workout – Good for You!!!
Have a Great Day:) – Renee
April 17th, 2013 at 3:22 PM
Oh the core… an area that I have absolutely no strength in even though I know I need to… it’s a work in progress!
April 17th, 2013 at 4:07 PM
Emily –
At least you are in the work in progress phase – keep it up!
Have a Great Day:) – Renee
April 18th, 2013 at 1:44 AM
My gym ‘dude’ loves giving me challenging stomach exercises to do!
April 18th, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Tandy –
Love it – at least you know you are working it!
Happy Thursday:) – Renee
April 18th, 2013 at 5:58 PM
“If you’re not working it, you’re flabbing it” or so my pilates dvd says. Core, very important…now where did I leave mine again?
April 19th, 2013 at 8:35 AM
Love that! Also, love “Put Up or Shut Up”. I never thought I would find my again and at times it hurts a little too – ha!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
April 18th, 2013 at 9:59 PM
Let’s hear it for the core! So important! Loved this post:)
April 19th, 2013 at 8:36 AM
Thanks Kate! Glad to hear you loved:)
Happy Friday – Renee
April 19th, 2013 at 8:36 AM
Thanks Kate! Glad to hear you loved:)
Happy Friday – Renee
April 19th, 2013 at 6:19 AM
So true on eliminating bad habits. I have many in posture and lifting, etc. Good reminder to think more about an important section of the body.
April 19th, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Donna –
You bring up a great one – lifting and the proper way to do it too!
Happy Friday:) – Renee
April 22nd, 2013 at 5:58 PM
There are actually some body mechanics studies out there. The name escapes me at the moment, but there are two schools that have nationwide ‘trainers.’ Surely it may help.
April 23rd, 2013 at 8:05 AM
Emily –
Making the decision to work with a personal trainer has been a GREAT decision for me!
Renee