Need to find my core

ShellBelle6

All of the exercises I try, the instructors are always saying - tighten your core, tighten your core.

I think I was born without one. :sad: Or, it's just so covered by insulation that I can't find it.
I feel like whenever I'm tightening my core (or whatever I THINK that my be), I feel as though I'm holding my breath. I try to keep reminding myself to breath correctly, but then I lose track of "tightening my core".

So... What are some good BASIC (I'm a beginner) exercises that I can try to best locate my core and strengthen it so that I can find it easier when instructed to?

Thanks!

pinuplove

Marking this thread because I need it too!

LoraF83

You should do some planks......they have really helped me strengthen my core (which includes your back as well as your stomach!). You lay on the floor face down, and then raise yourself up on your forearms (which are situated under your chest) and your toes. You can probably find a YouTube video to demonstrate the position. Hold for as long as you can (probably about 10 seconds to start) and then rest for 30 seconds or so and repeat. Do this a few times every day and gradually build up your time that you are holding the position. Great core exercise!

ShellBelle6

You should do some planks......they have really helped me strengthen my core (which includes your back as well as your stomach!). You lay on the floor face down, and then raise yourself up on your forearms (which are situated under your chest) and your toes. You can probably find a YouTube video to demonstrate the position. Hold for as long as you can (probably about 10 seconds to start) and then rest for 30 seconds or so and repeat. Do this a few times every day and gradually build up your time that you are holding the position. Great core exercise!

THANK YOU! :flowerforyou:

trina433

same here! i want my gut gone so bad and i am willing to work extra hard to get it

snlperdue93

The Jillian Micheal's 30 day shred has some great ab moves to help strengthen your core, including planks in workout 1. I have also started using a weighted medicine ball to do crunches on and I don't notice as much back pain as with a normal crunch.

Tari_D

Feeling the same as the OP here. I shall try planks, any other suggestions anyone?

Siannah

Try finding a pilates course - this way an instructor will talk you through it and you're sure you're doing it right.

super_star_27

IMHO I think planks are the best workout b/c they work the whole of the core, but bicycle crunches work the whole of the abs and obliques, so they're pretty good.

Also I find burpees work the core while being a good cardio workout, so they help shift the fat as well.

mikeyml

Google some of these:

Glute bridges
Planks
Ab wheel / dolly
Dead bug
Supermans
Side planks

Remember to tighten the core and squeeze the butt during the exercise. After a while you can advance to more difficult exercises and you will be able to feel your core engaging with almost everything you do.

BAMFMeredith

You should do some planks......they have really helped me strengthen my core (which includes your back as well as your stomach!). You lay on the floor face down, and then raise yourself up on your forearms (which are situated under your chest) and your toes. You can probably find a YouTube video to demonstrate the position. Hold for as long as you can (probably about 10 seconds to start) and then rest for 30 seconds or so and repeat. Do this a few times every day and gradually build up your time that you are holding the position. Great core exercise!

THANK YOU! :flowerforyou:

Yes, planks are AWESOME! I've recently graduated to doing full planks (on my hands instead of forearms) and man my abs are hurting after I do them! I love em! Also, push ups (on the knees is great for beginners), this not only works your arms, but you are using tons of core strength to hold your body steady. Also any time you do any other exercise, practice holding your core in tight. When you're sitting on the couch at home, try sitting straight up and holding your core in. These little changes will help improve core strength, plus help posture as well!

BAMFMeredith

IMHO I think planks are the best workout b/c they work the whole of the core, but bicycle crunches work the whole of the abs and obliques, so they're pretty good.

Also I find burpees work the core while being a good cardio workout, so they help shift the fat as well.

Oh God, burpees make me want to kill myself. But they're SUCH a good workout

AmyRhubarb

Get Jillian Michaels' 6 Week Six-Pack DVD - you'll become very aware of your core. :happy:

super_star_27

IMHO I think planks are the best workout b/c they work the whole of the core, but bicycle crunches work the whole of the abs and obliques, so they're pretty good.

Also I find burpees work the core while being a good cardio workout, so they help shift the fat as well.

Oh God, burpees make me want to kill myself. But they're SUCH a good workout

I know right - I can only do about 10 until i collapse

BAMFMeredith

IMHO I think planks are the best workout b/c they work the whole of the core, but bicycle crunches work the whole of the abs and obliques, so they're pretty good.

Also I find burpees work the core while being a good cardio workout, so they help shift the fat as well.

Oh God, burpees make me want to kill myself. But they're SUCH a good workout

I know right - I can only do about 10 until i collapse

This girl at my gym does them ONE HANDED and does like a million of them. She's a beast. I kind of want to be her.

Tubby2Toned

Good old fashioned sit ups.

medoria

Are you talking about the constant contraction? For me doing hollow man helped alot but it took me about three to four months before I realized I finally got it. So just keep at it. I was just like you trying to figure out how to keep breathing at the same time but if you keep doing core and ab workouts your muscles are finally going to figure it out by them selfs.