Eliminate bloating, flatten your tummy, improve regularity and enhance energy levels. These are the common promises of diet programs, probiotics and supplements. While these products and therapies may contribute to overall health and well being, these efforts are futile without a strong core.
But what is your core? Despite what many believe, your core is not just the 6 pack ab muscles of the ripped fitness models we see in magazines. Your core is actually an intricate system of muscles found in the 'trunk' of the body. They stretch from the ribs down to the pelvic floor and around the back to make a tapestry of muscle that acts like a girdle. Imagine that...we are equipped with a fully functioning girdle at birth... (See ya later shapewear) While the 6 pack muscles are appealing to many, the muscles underneath are actually far more indicative of a healthy core. The transverse abdominal muscles are actually responsible for the proper function of the entire body. This is why it is called your core. It is central to health.
Strengthening your core can help the overall fitness of your body in many ways. Feeling sluggish? Work your core for increased energy. Digestion problems? Core. Desire improved balance and coordination? CORE! I think you get it. By working to strengthen your core a little bit every day you will see marked improvement in your overall health and fitness goals. While every yoga pose done correctly engages and strengthens core muscles, the poses pictured in this series work overtime in doing so.
But what is your core? Despite what many believe, your core is not just the 6 pack ab muscles of the ripped fitness models we see in magazines. Your core is actually an intricate system of muscles found in the 'trunk' of the body. They stretch from the ribs down to the pelvic floor and around the back to make a tapestry of muscle that acts like a girdle. Imagine that...we are equipped with a fully functioning girdle at birth... (See ya later shapewear) While the 6 pack muscles are appealing to many, the muscles underneath are actually far more indicative of a healthy core. The transverse abdominal muscles are actually responsible for the proper function of the entire body. This is why it is called your core. It is central to health.
Strengthening your core can help the overall fitness of your body in many ways. Feeling sluggish? Work your core for increased energy. Digestion problems? Core. Desire improved balance and coordination? CORE! I think you get it. By working to strengthen your core a little bit every day you will see marked improvement in your overall health and fitness goals. While every yoga pose done correctly engages and strengthens core muscles, the poses pictured in this series work overtime in doing so.
Vasistasana, or side plank is a core working asana that can be modified to fit your current level of core strength. Shoot me a comment below for tips on how to do this pose and answer any of your core related questions. Blessings and light to you and yours!