Core Strength

You may be wondering, what is the “core” when discussing core strength?

It is all the muscles that act on and stabalized the trunk area of the body. The core has many functions.  It can flex, extend, laterally flex, rotate and stabalize. For example, in sports, most of this happens simultaneously. So why, then, for most of us does core training for most of us consist of merely sit-ups and ab crunch machines? That is similar to taking that sports car and driving strictly straight ahead. Remember, the core is all of the muscles. Those include your butt, hamstrings, quads, low back, abs and obliques. So, get off the ab machine and grab a medicine ball.

Medicine Ball
Start with your feet about shoulder width apart. Bring the ball down to your right foot by pivoting on your toes to the right, bending your knees and leaning forward with your trunk to the left.  Do that 10 times, then repeat by bringing the ball from your left foot over your right shoulder. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed of your movement and weight of the ball.

You have just flexed, extended, laterally flexed, rotated and stabalized as well as activated the musculature in your lower body. Don’t be surprised if this movement looks eerily similar to an overhead serve in tennis, a home-run swing in softball, or even turning the soil over in the garden—train the way you use your body. Emphasize the “go” muscles rather than the “show” muscles.

For more information, visit:  http://www.powerperformancecamps.com

What is Performance Enhancement

I’ve got a deal for you.  You drive a fancy new mini van. It’s got all the hoity toity TV screens, DVD player and cup holders in it. I drive a cool new sports car. I can take turns at 50 mph and accelerate and decelerate on a dime. Now, let’s swap engines. Your mini van now has all the power of my sports car….but here’s the catch:   the steering system, brakes, tires and suspension all stay in my sports car.

When it comes to fitness training, this is how many of us treat our body. Your body looks great, but does it work as well as looks?  Sitting on machines can have a great impact on how your body looks, but can hamper you greatly when it is time to take that body out of the gym.

In my next blog, I will focus on three overlooked components to many fitness programs and how giving them the attention that they deserve can help you improve your performance and decrease the chances of injury in sports, or participating in the game of life.

Stay tuned.

John.  http://www.powerperformancecamps.com