Runner Insight

Core Strength

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Here are a handful of simple  and quick core-strength exercises you can do while doing everyday chores like brushing your teeth or waiting for the water to boil on the stove, standing in line or even talking on the phone. 

I have a SoniCare Toothbrush, and it has a two minute timer and every 30 seconds it beeps so you can change the side you are brushing.  So, for a full two minutes while I’m brushing my teeth, I balance on one foot and every 30 seconds I change feet. 

Just lift your knee so that your upper leg is at a 90 degree angle to your body, and parallel to the ground.  Hold it, balancing on your (non-lifted) leg using the counter or a wall if necessary to keep from falling over.  Then switch feet.

I made a video to demonstrate:

Another good core-strength technique is wall sits.  Just squat down with your back against a wall, like you are sitting in a chair.  Your back against the wall and your bent legs are holding you in place. Hold for as long as you can, and increase each time you do it. 

Another exercise that looks very simple and is, will surprise you at how much you feel it working!  They’re called Hindu Squats.  With your feet shoulder length apart, act as if you are going to jump.  Squatting then springing up with your arms, swing back then forward as you stand again. Your feet never leave the ground.  This motion of basically pretending to jump is amazingly effective and a lot of fun.  But don’t try to do too many the first time, or you will pay for it with very sore thigh muscles.  Like any exercise, start out slow and build up your endurance.

These are just a few ways that we use to move in the direction of becoming stronger and healthier while doing everyday chores that we’re going to be doing  anyway.

Watch for videos of the other ones coming soon!

How ’bout it?

-Vision Runner        

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Title: Core Strength Tips
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