“ENGAGE YOUR CORE!”
How many times have you heard an instructor say that in class and wondered what they were on about? What is your core? And why is it so important to build core strength anyway? We’re breaking it down for you.
The Core Basics
What do you see when you close your eyes and picture your core? A six-pack? That’s not quite right. Abs are a part of your core but they can’t have all the glory.
Instead, visualise the portion of your body from below the neck all the way to your tailbone. Imagine it packed neatly into, say, a tin can. Your core includes everything within that can: the muscles in the back-body, the abdominal layers, the glutes and hip flexors.
What is a strong core responsible for?
How many times have you heard your instructor say, “Pull your navel towards your spine” or “Lengthen through the crown of your head”? That’s because core strength influences everything we do. The core supports the spine and allows for comfortable movement. It maintains proper alignment and centers the body. A strong core also helps us find balance and lengthens the spine, allowing us to stand tall. Nearly every movement we do originates from the core. Think of it as the powerhouse of the body. If it’s not strong and functioning well, neither is the rest of your body.
Why is it important?
A robust core helps us stay healthy in mind and body. It’s vital for all the core’s muscle groups to work together in harmony. When everything is strong and flexible, you can get on with life.
Sadly, our society’s sedentary lifestyles are the nemesis of core strength. Constant sitting and smartphone scrolling encourages posture that creates an imbalance in our bodies. Some muscles are weak and long; others end up short and tight. This leads to aches and pains, tension headaches, bloated tummies, lack of energy, and immobility. If things get out of hand, sleep suffers too and everything crumbles from there. Just ask anyone who has endured restless nights due to back pain caused by a weak core. No one can function day after day without a comfortable sleep. Having a strong and flexible core is the best way to avoid pack pain.
What’s the action plan?
Commit time each day to care for your core. Hop out of the shower and stretch immediately: quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and glutes.
As for gaining strength, exercises like the teaser, boat pose and knee fall-outs are the obvious examples; however, even moves like squats, spine twists, side-body stretches, lunges, bridge lifts, and 4-point kneeling all help you strengthen your core and promote balance within your body. If these exercises aren’t ringing bells, it’s time to get back in the studio to refresh your memory. Each class at The View incorporates exercises designed to strengthen and challenge your core.
To tune in to your core even more, join The View Studio for our summer workshop special, “Get Centered”, 25th – 30th July.
You can sign up now – click here to book: https://bookwhen.com/theview
GET CENTERED WORKSHOP – JULY 25-30
7:30-8:30am (with an optional grab-and-go or sit-in breakfast for an additional price)
6:00-7:00pm
Please note that regular classes will not be taking place during this time
WORKSHOP COST
Clients with unlimited membership: All classes are included in the membership.
Clients paying monthly for 1 or 2 class(es) per week: Please book your desired classes as per usual.
Non Members/ New Clients: £70 Earlybird Special when you enroll for a 10-class card by June 30th. £80 for a 10-class card starting July 1st. Breakfast is at your own expense. (£5/day or £20 for the week
Drop in per day/ class: £10
Breakfast for the week: £20
Breakfast per day: £5
Yes, bikini season is approaching and abs are nice to have but this summer workshop will teach you to access and balance the deepest muscles of your core. You’ll reap the benefits that are more than skin deep, helping you find balance daily. The best defense is a good offense. Don’t wait until you’re in serious pain to begin focusing on core strength.
Sign up for the Get Centered workshop today. https://bookwhen.com/theview
