Age Better: Improve Your Core Strength With These 3 Quick Exercises

If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed

David viscott

You felt pretty good about yourself this morning until you look in the mirror. Your eyes widened and you saw your mother/father looking back at you?   Yikes! Do I look like that?

My client and I were talking about how our parents seemed and acted so old when they were in their 60s. They sat for hours in their easy chair reading or watching TV. Remember those big, cushioned recliner chairs with the handle that extended the leg rest? That was the idea of retirement for many and they only had three channels on TV.

They walked with a slow slumping posture with their tummy protruding. Don’t forget the swollen ankles that worsened as they aged.

What is your idea of retirement? The easy chair or something else?

Do you want to look 5 years younger and 5 pounds lighter? 

If so, the key is your core, and here’s why.

Your Core

Your core consists of three sheaths of muscles: The upper abs, the obliques, and that deep layer of muscle. You don’t have to have a 6 pack, but you need core strength for many reasons.

Who doesn’t want to look younger or thinner?  When you stand straight, shoulders down, abs pulled in and a gaze forward, you naturally appear thinner AND younger. The proud posture you exhibit will help others see a different and stronger you.

Try it in the mirror – slouch and then stand tall. Notice any difference?  

Strong abs will also help other areas of your body. Think about your back, glutes, and everything that attaches to your spine. The strong core you develop is your body’s natural corset and will help protect you from injury.

Your glutes may be the biggest muscle in your body, but it needs the help and support of a strong core to provide you the stability and strength to do the activities you enjoy. When you are strong you naturally feel better. 

Feeling better and minimizing injuries, how can you argue with that? The week of September 20^th is Falls Awareness Week.  Having a strong core will help minimize falls because you are looking forward at any objects that might be in the way, you are stronger walk, and with that core strength your balance and stability is improved

3 quick exercises you can do at home to engage your core.

These are some of my favorites and will help you engage your core. 

1. Sitting: You can do these anytime you are sitting and reading or watching TV, driving, sitting at your desk, and even just before you sit down to eat a meal.  Draw your belly button toward your spine, sit tall and pull your shoulders back and down – and hold for 5 – 10 seconds. Repeat as much as you like and as often as you like. It’s a small movement that no one will even notice. The more you do it the stronger your abs will get and the straighter you will walk. 
2. On the wall: Put your arms out straight and do a “wall push-up.” I love to do these as I walk down the hallway in my house. What a fun way to go room to room. Don’t forget to pull in those abs and for bonus add a smile. 
3. At your sink or countertop: I like to stand on one leg while I brush my teeth. You can also do this while you are waiting for something to warm in the microwave. If you need to use a hand for balance, that OK! Balance is good! Falling in bad! Lift one foot and hold for as long as you can. If you need to keep your toe on the floor until you build up your balance, that’s OK. I call this kick standing. As soon as you feel comfortable, let go and balance while drawing in your abs.

See how simple and easy it can be to look younger, slimmer, AND feel better. 

To review the benefits of strengthening your core

What are the benefits you can expect when your core is strong?

• Improved stability.
• Minimized back pain.
• Better strength.
• Better balance.
• Improved posture control.
• Look and feel younger.

Give it a try. 

If you want a FREE copy of my Better Balance and Strength in Less than 5 Minutes a Day, click HERE and just click to download.