Core Workout Routine

The core workout routines help in strengthening muscles of abdomen, butts and also the thighs. All the energy required for carrying out day-to-day activities is sourced from the core. Hence, it is important to strengthen the muscles that fall in the core region.

Core Workout Routine for Men and Women

The core workout routines are very much necessary for strengthening the muscles lying in the abdominal region. These workout routines are often neglected and more emphasis is laid on strengthening the biceps and triceps. The core strengthening exercises are in fact, more important than any other workout. The exercises mentioned below should help in strengthening the core muscles.

Ab Leg Raise
The abdomen, legs, glutes and lower back are exercised in this core workout routine. One should first lay flat on the back to perform this exercise. Hands can either be placed at sides of the body or tucked beneath the body (just about the hips) to provide the support, if required. Raising both legs, just few inches above the ground is the next step in this exercise. One should use the core muscles to lift the legs; contracting/tightening the ab muscles would be necessary to lift the legs. The legs need to be maintained in a perfectly straight position. It won't be possible to keep the legs in a raised position for more than 10-20 seconds, at least in the beginning. However, the time limit should be increased over time up to 1 minute.

Sidebridge
This is one of the best core workout routines. To perform this exercise, one should first lie on one of the sides; forearm should be placed under the shoulder. The forearm should be used to prop the body up and for attaining a position where the feet are stacked. With this as the starting position, forearms should be pressed against the ground so that hips are lifted upwards. The core should contract, while rest of the body straightens, right from shoulders to ankles. This position should be held on to for 15-45 seconds. The same exercise should be repeated on the other side. It is a good workout routine which requires the abs and butt muscles to be contracted; it helps them make stronger.

V Ups
The V up is a great way to strengthen core muscles in quick time. It is a kind of sit-up exercise which is far more effective than other types. The other kinds of workouts like crunches and sit-ups do not create much fatigue. V ups on the other hand are useful in burning fats and shaping up the body. One should lay flat on the back with hands at sides of the body. The upper body and legs need to be lifted simultaneously in order to form a 'V' shape; kink in the 'V' shape should be formed at the hips. The power/energy required for lifting the body should be sourced from the core muscles and legs. One should try to keep the legs and back portion as straight as possible. Body should be kept in a raised position for as long as possible.

The V ups, sidebridge and ab leg raises are important exercises from the point of strengthening core muscles. These core workout routines should impact the overall health in a great way.