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Core Strength and Balance tips please

mommabenefield
mommabenefield Posts: 1,329 Member
edited February 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Other than yoga can anyone give me any tips on improving these two areas.

I was reading yesterday that squats do take significant core strength an are where I am weak
Also balance, yea I have none. So no further explanation needed.

Thank you all!

Replies

  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    This may sound like a stupid question, but how are you determining that your core is weak? Is it because you have excess fat there? Do you have back problems? Something else?

    When do you notice you have poor balance the most?
  • ostrichagain
    ostrichagain Posts: 271 Member
    Pilates! I love pilates. Planks are helpful.
    Yoga is really excellent for balance. I was struggling with a weak ankle when I ran and eagle pose has gone a long way to resolving that. My gait has evened out and I'm not in pain.
  • navyrigger46
    navyrigger46 Posts: 1,301 Member
    Other than yoga can anyone give me any tips on improving these two areas.

    I was reading yesterday that squats do take significant core strength an are where I am weak
    Also balance, yea I have none. So no further explanation needed.

    Thank you all!

    You just said it, squats, also deadlifts, rows and bench press. All of those will significantly increase core strength and in turn, balance. Pull ups also work your core.

    Rigger
  • teresavink
    teresavink Posts: 3 Member
    Two of my favorites that I have had great results with if done everyday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJ8Zdj0OPMI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiQo_3YXxWI
  • TheLoneMarmot
    TheLoneMarmot Posts: 43 Member
    Balance = wobble board.

    Use every day for fresh and sweet-smelling balance! :smile:
  • mommabenefield
    mommabenefield Posts: 1,329 Member
    This may sound like a stupid question, but how are you determining that your core is weak? Is it because you have excess fat there? Do you have back problems? Something else?

    When do you notice you have poor balance the most?

    Not a silly question. I wish I had a better way to explain it rather than I just feel it, but that's all I got.
    I feel like my form is off on most of my exercises and I feel its attributed to poor core strength and yes I tend to have a lot of lower back pain. I haven't done enough research to know exactly what I am talking about, but I figure I'm trying to lift heavy, I love squats among other workouts, so whats the harm in improving something even if there's nothing wrong with it and it will help you anyway.

    Thank you everyone else.... :smile: I will give the suggestions a try .... I've always been afraid of the wobble board but it might be worth it!

    @Rigger- i didn't realize all those actually contribute to core strength! thanks!
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    I feel like my form is off on most of my exercises

    The best way to address poor form is to get your form assessed by an experienced personal trainer, or a physical therapist. Good form is more about skill than strength.

    As far as the back pain, you probably should see an orthopedist or physical therapist. This exercise usually helps if practiced *all throughout the day*:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p8eXl1OGdM
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    Other than yoga? Aw, man :) Ballet, actually. You don't have to do the hip turnout all crazy, but you do have to focus on pulling from the core. And your legs need to be strong or you won't be lifting very high. It still challenges your balance as long as you lift as high as you can go, so it still helps with balance even if your leg/glute strength isn't up for it.

    You can do it athletically, btw. No need to use classical music or anything ;)

    If you might have lower back issues, watch the arabesques, etc (that position) until you've strengthened your lower back.

    You might want to have a trainer give you lower back exercises first and concentrate on that and ab strength work for a few weeks before you move on to balance. You could pull something if you jump enthusiastically into balance stuff with weakness in the lower back, particularly.

    edit: for lower back and ab work, I mean weighted isolation moves, mainly. Moves where you can't cheat by using other muscles! ;)
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