Core Training: Know When & How to Use It

Core Training is the latest rage in the fitness world, and unlike past trends, it actually works. A typical core training workout is one in which the muscles in and around your torso and hips are strengthened so that you have a 'rock solid' foundation. You'll be less susceptible to injury when carrying out everyday tasks like lifting baby from crib or playing tennis on weekends.

At Agile, we've actually taken the methods of core training a step further by widening the 'core' areas of the body to include the deeper muscle tissues acting on the major joints: ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders. A good example of this type of core training: dumbbell exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles of the shoulders.

Core Training almost always involves an exercise tool that adds an element of instability to the exercise, bench pressing with dumbbells on a Swiss Ball is a good example . But some trainers take this concept too far: kneeling on a Swiss Ball and doing bicep curls - this is more of a circus act than the most efficient way to exercise. Don't get me wrong - you'll strengthen your core muscles doing this exercise - I just don't think it's the most effective use of your gym time.

For the best results, add core exercises to the beginning of your workout so that your muscles are awake and ready to engage in weight lifting and cardiovascular activity.