Integrating Core Training into Workouts

Many people seeking physical fitness focus on aerobic activity and strength training, which primarily work the large muscle groups of the limbs and torso. While the core muscles perform some stability work during most aerobic and strength-training exercise, they may not get enough of an overload to prevent the atrophy that occurs with sedentary lifestyles.

You can offer core strengthening for your clients in many ways. Some fitness centers offer specialized classes for core strengthening, often using stability balls and other props that challenge core muscle groups. Pilates classes focus a great deal on developing the core muscle groups. Group exercise classes can incorporate aerobic training, strength training, stretching and core work into a combination format that provides multiple physical conditioning benefits. Following are suggestions from fitness instructors who incorporate core training into their classes and personal training work.

It's easy to include 10 minutes of core work as part of a group exercise class or strength-training workout. In fact, core muscles have to perform stabilization for many strength exercises, especially with free weights. A variety of exercises for the abdominal muscle group and low back extensors are traditional features of well-rounded workouts, and should be part of an exercise class or personal training session.

Use destabilizing props

Stability balls, discs, boards, medicine balls and other equipment that challenges balance provide great training to core muscles. Props also provide variety to keep core work interesting. Many personal trainers make extensive use of these props with their clients.

Don't forget older adults

Older adults gain wonderful health and fitness benefits from core strengthening work. Core muscles tend to be more atrophied in this group, especially in sedentary clients. Core work relieves many aches and pains caused by muscle weakness -- pain mistakenly accepted as part of the aging process. Strengthening core muscle groups improves balance and prevents falls in many older adults.

Emphasize good posture and alignment

Some of the benefits of core strengthening exercise may be attributed to improvements in posture and alignment. Core exercises can help clients become more aware of their standing and sitting posture, and of how important good alignment is for back health.