When it comes to exercising, arms and legs often get a lot of the spotlight, leaving our poor ol’ cores a little left behind.
It might shock you too realise that our core muscles are in fact used all day every day. When we stand up, when we turn the oven on, when we open a door, when we balance the handles of our bike, when we bend to begin the delightful task of changing a nappy, and even when we reach into the fridge. Basically at any and all times, we’re using our core. So really, they should receive the same glowing, sweaty treatment.
Which muscles make up our core?
And our core isn’t a simple straightforward thing. It’s a three-layered system at the front of the abdomen that all works intricately together – to help us achieve daily subconscious tasks.
There’s our rectus abdominis down the front and most near the surface (many of us think of these as our “abs”), the middle layers of internal and external oblique which cross over each other like a broad “X” and nip in the sides of our waist and the deepest one transversus abdominis, like a cumberbund or muscle-in-the-round. The pelvic floor muscles, are like a sling at the bottom of the abdomen, which co-activate with the lower abs So yes, a whole load.
Abby from Club AM:PM feels passionately about the importance and positive impact core workouts have on our bodies.
“Core exercises are the ultimate power-up for your body, keeping you balanced, stable, and ready for anything life throws your way. From standing tall with confidence to performing like a pro in your favorite activities, a strong core is your secret weapon. So, let’s fire up those abs and show the world what you’re made of!”
So to give our core some lovin’, here’s a 20-minute Pilates core workout. We’re talking everything from mermaid sits to knee hovers, and it’ll get you nice and hot and gently sweaty. In that feel-the-burn good way.
20-Minute Core Workout
More:
- 15-Minute Full-Body Express Workout With Kelsey Wells
- A 10-Minute Dumbbell Workout To Tone And Sculpt Your Arms
- Kayla Itsines’ 12-Minute Low-Impact Recovery Workout
