5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Core

Repeat 1-4X

1. Up/Down Dog
2. Hydrant Extension (right)
3. Hydrant Extension (left)
4. 3 Park Core Extension
5. Extended Plank

Hi Everyone!

This is a quick core workout! Core strength is imperative in everything that you do. Your trunk powers and stabilizes all of your movements. If you don't have a strong core you are not optimizing your workouts. Even running form and postural alignment can be optimized with core strengthening. 

Without consistent and balanced core strengthening your hips can become misaligned or tilted, which can lead to increased risk of knee injury and joint pain. 

In addition to this workout I also continued training for My First Half Marathon. I ran a challenging cross country course (all on grass, with lots of hills!) I did a total of 4.5 miles. The first 2.5 miles I completed at a challenging pace. I got a cramp during the harder portion of the run, which was not fun. I followed it up by a quick rest, and a 2 mile cool down run of the same loop. It was still a challenging course, but I slowed my pace down to allow my body to recover. 

I also did a lower body stretching routine, which I am working on uploading now. Running is a repetitive motion, so it's important to keep your body limber and strengthen all of the muscles that create counterbalances during the running motion. 

Enjoy the workout! There will be a new one (and a stretching video!) posted today. 
Melissa