Q & A: At your request, a core series!

Yes, a series on the core. To include sample exercises and movement planning strategies...

I think it'd be cool if you could go through a beginners guide to core exercises, through to advanced or something, just so people like me know where to start. I mean, how many core exercises should you do, which ones should you focus on, where do they come in a workout, etc.

We all know how I LOVE THIS STUFF! So this is a 4 part Monday series on your core.

Let us start with the basics.



Fundamentally, the 'core' of anything is the part of something that is central to its existence. Practice with this concept in mind is the key to understanding and achieving intelligence in movement.

Simply put, your core is anything that is not your arms or legs.

The core provides the base upon which your arms and legs move.

Your core transmits forces up, down and diagonally throughout your body in order to accomplish tasks.

Movements are initiated at the core.

The core provides the force and power behind all limb movements.

Strength in motion requires that there be a stable base for distal movement to take place.

Engaging the core during all exercise ensures that you are firing your muscles in a functional manner.

Body weight resisted Exercise (BWRE) helps us to understand this concept.

Why is it easier to do push-ups on your knees rather than your feet? By taking away need for your trunk to stabilize your legs, your body and mind is able to concentrate all its efforts on the shoulder girdle and upper extremities to allow you to push-up and lower down successfully!

Is this sinking in? Core is fundamental for all movement, not just exercises or beach season :)

Short post this week to emphasize how important I think all this is, in life. Because in life, we move.

...And we might as well move well!