Baby steps to core strength?
azkabanned
Posts: 79 Member
This is pathetic, but I’m following YouTube videos for core strength and realized I can’t even do 1 full sit-up or plank for more than 3 seconds. What are the baby steps?
I got 7 lb dumbbells for Christmas, they were feeling very very very heavy at first with just 5 reps of bicep curls but now I can do 2 sets
baby steps...
Still can’t do a sit-up though!!
I got 7 lb dumbbells for Christmas, they were feeling very very very heavy at first with just 5 reps of bicep curls but now I can do 2 sets
baby steps...Still can’t do a sit-up though!!
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Replies
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It might be worth looking at some core activation exercises for beginners. It's sometimes hard to complete movements if you're not recruiting the right muscles (or you do the movements okay, but you're not engaging the right muscles so you're not strengthening what you're supposed to).1
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When I started, I could not do a stability ball wall squat to parallel. This morning I did 45# goblet squats. I also could not do a plank. The last time I was timed, I was over 2 min and could have gone longer. It's been a long slow process (for me) but the key is to do what you can today and STAY CONSISTENT.1
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It just takes time to build up your strength and endurance. Don't give up and you'll find that in a month you'll be doing a lot more than you could have imagined.0
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sounds like you are making progress already. Baby steps works 0
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When I started, I could not do a stability ball wall squat to parallel. This morning I did 45# goblet squats. I also could not do a plank. The last time I was timed, I was over 2 min and could have gone longer. It's been a long slow process (for me) but the key is to do what you can today and STAY CONSISTENT.
So did you just try planking until you could? Or is there something else one can do to make doing a plank easier? Everyone can hold theirs for at least 30 secs in my yoga class and I just keep collapsing..0 -
I couldn't do a plank but now look at me lol
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Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
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Try holding plank for say 10 seconds. Suck in your abs/core as that helps support you. Or try dropping one knee. Your strength will build in no time 1
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So did you just try planking until you could? Or is there something else one can do to make doing a plank easier? Everyone can hold theirs for at least 30 secs in my yoga class and I just keep collapsing..
i just got assigned planks as a physio thing, and i've been lifting for three years plus. couldn't do them, or at least couldn't do them with form that was worth anything.
i reverted to doing deadbug holds and then added the arms-legs thing to remind me what actually using some of those plank muscles feels like. also, i had to sort out my shoulders and upper back a little in order to flatten out there.
granted, i've had a soft-tissue injury in one hip that has had me off-kilter for months, but i don't think it matters much what the reason is for not being able to 'find' the right muscles.
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manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.1 -
JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.0 -
JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
I should hope he would give a greatly informed response, he has a NASM logo on his pp, that's a pretty good sign. 0 -
JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
Yoga is good form of exercise. If you stick with that consistently you'll improve your Core strength and mobility as well. If you like Yoga and dislike the gym, then stick with the Yoga. No point in trying to do something you'll have trouble finding the motivation to do.
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Wheelhouse15 wrote: »JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
I should hope he would give a greatly informed response, he has a NASM logo on his pp, that's a pretty good sign.
If only I got some kickbacks. LOL2 -
JAYxMSxPES wrote: »Wheelhouse15 wrote: »JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
I should hope he would give a greatly informed response, he has a NASM logo on his pp, that's a pretty good sign.
If only I got some kickbacks. LOL
LOL advertising/PR put in for a bonus. 0 -
Every studio and instructor is a little different, but could you ask the instructor to pay special attention to your form during planks to make sure you're working efficiently and effectively? They may be able to give you other suggestions for improvement that we can't anticipate.0
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Like you say, baby steps. I’m trying to build core strength too and I’ve found an app that has loads of them and I just try and do a few exercises a day. I log the reps and try and do the same or more each day.0
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canadianlbs wrote: »
Ahh a hip injury! That's why planks are harder. They really put alot of pressure on hips.
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JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
I started using FitnessBlender about a month ago and have found it really enjoyable. I’d suggest trying one of their low impact core or total body workouts at level 3 or under to start out and see where that takes you. I’m not a gym person either, and working out at home is just so dang convenient.0 -
When I started, I could not do a stability ball wall squat to parallel. This morning I did 45# goblet squats. I also could not do a plank. The last time I was timed, I was over 2 min and could have gone longer. It's been a long slow process (for me) but the key is to do what you can today and STAY CONSISTENT.
So did you just try planking until you could? Or is there something else one can do to make doing a plank easier? Everyone can hold theirs for at least 30 secs in my yoga class and I just keep collapsing..
You need to develop adequate strength thru a well rounded strength program. You might also need some coaching on proper form . Mostly I was working with a trainer and he knew when I was at a point to start trying regularly. If you can't do them now and don't feel close , don't try them every day hoping for a miracle. Just work on some other things and try again in a few months. Otherwise you'll. Just get discouraged and frustrated.1 -
MegaMooseEsq wrote: »JAYxMSxPES wrote: »manderson27 wrote: »Seriously though you just have to keep doing it it will get easier as you get stronger. Keep pushing yourself you will get there.
A really good class for core strength is Pilates.
I agree, a traditional Pilates is a good means of improving one's Core strength. Avoid the ones that tell you they'll elongate your muscles and other nonsense.
If you can join a gym, a NASM certified trainer can work with you on a specific Core Strength & Stabilization program.
If neither are an option, you can probably Google some things. FitnessBlender on YouTube has some Pilates stuff. As you're searching, remember that you Core is more than just abs and obliques.
Core Stabilizers: Transversus Abdominus, Multifidus, Longissimus, Spinal Erectors
Core Movers: Rectus Abdominus (abs basically), Obliques, Psoas (hip flexors), Gluteus Medius, Quadratus Lumborum, Lats.
Thanks for the informative response! I’m extremely intimidated by any gym but will look into FitnessBlender.
It’s ironic because I logically I understand that unfit people go to the gym to get fit, but just walking into one stresses me out. My new yoga studio is small and has a very zen comforting vibe, and I’m looking to try out their Body Sculpt classes, maybe that’ll help me a bit.
I started using FitnessBlender about a month ago and have found it really enjoyable. I’d suggest trying one of their low impact core or total body workouts at level 3 or under to start out and see where that takes you. I’m not a gym person either, and working out at home is just so dang convenient.
Fitness blender is one of my fav and best fitness programs ever. I do the 10 minutes lower back regularly.0 -
LivingtheLeanDream wrote: »Ahh a hip injury! That's why planks are harder. They really put alot of pressure on hips.
i've been trying to avoid just crying poormouth and blaming everything on the hip, but yeah. i have to admit i was shaken by how much muscular disorientation it's caused, so thanks for this.
it's been improving. slowly. but ime it really has been a matter of going back to square one and playing the cards that you got until you're ready to do the next thing.
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