How to engage your core

aurabu

Hi guys, I hear this all the time but I 've just realised that I don't engage my core at all when exercising. How do you do it and when do you know that you are engaging it? Is that just like sucking your abdomen in? Thank you.

VeronicaA76

Keep your mid section slightly flexed during workouts. A lot of workouts/lifts work the core without it being the primary focus. Such as leg presses, you use your core but the main muscle groups are quads and glutes. Also, go old school, balancing books on the head while sitting upright. It's weird, but you'll use your abs a lot to stabilize so the book(s) don't fall off.

crackpotbaby

A session with a physiotherapist or (good) Pilates instructor can really help you with this.

rybo

Brace as if you're going to be punched in the stomach.

DX2JX2

Focusing on good posture/form also helps to naturally engage your core during cardio sessions, especially once you start to get fatigued.

stanmann571

rybo wrote: »

Brace as if you're going to be punched in the stomach.

Pretty much this.

Also, Imagine the muscle tension you need for a crunch/sit up.... Engage those muscles, then balance by tightening your glutes/back to prevent yourself from leaning forward.

MichelleLaree13

Do like 10 reps of planks for as long as you can. The next day tighten or engage your core. Your core will be super sore so you will know when you are tightening it up with other exercises

GlassAngyl

With a diamond ring and on mended knee.