So, what is core muscle training and why are deep muscles we can't even feel so important?

Are you willing to raise your core muscle training to a higher level of quality using innovative concepts and a fresh approach for the ultimate reward – a strong defined physique and a body that looks fantastic and is truly fit for living?

Core training is probably one of the most recent terms in training the mid section muscles of the body. It simply means exercising the muscles, tendons and ligaments that connect to the spine and pelvis area around the centre of the body.

Our bodies become imbalanced over the years as we succumb to everyday postural habits and some become underused and others overworked and tight. By training these muscles, especially the deep abdominal muscles you can increase stability throughout your entire body.

It is not easy to maintain a healthy posture when you are working at a desk all day . We have to bend our necks down to type on the keyboard or to look at a book or document we may be working on. And very often when you sit in a position for too long it tends to lead to slouching. By training your core and learning how to switch the muscles of the mid section on you will be able to improve your balance and posture by correctly aligning your body.

Benefits

Some people may believe that core muscle training is meant for athletes who compete in throwing, kicking or running events. Well you would be wrong there as everyone should be practising this way of training for overall good health and fitness. The absence of core strength can lead to common problems such as backache, or injuries from lifting simple items in everyday chores. The benefits are amazing, by training this way you will have all the benefits of a balanced body, better posture, strengthening a weak lower back and also toning a flabby mid section.

These core muscles are hard to feel, impossible to see and do not create movement. It can be hard to recognise them initially. But with time and practice you will become more aware of the stabilisers and notice the difference they provide to exercise and daily life.

There are many exercises that challenge core stability. Pilates is one of the best known stability programmes. You can also use the Gym/Fit/Exercise Ball to train the core. The exercises that you will do for your core will be challenging when using the exercise ball as you are using an unstable base as the ball is round and the muscles will be challenged to keep the ball under control. It is a very good idea to hire a personal trainer to show you how to use an exercise ball as it can be tricky when you are learning to balance on one.



Below is a list of core muscle training exercises using the exercise ball.

Setting the Abdominals
Hip Circles
Seated Leg Raise
Abdominal Curl
Oblique Curl
Plank
Back Extension