In 20something years of off and on working out, I haven't ventured much from treadmills and ellipticals. What are some things that I can do to work on my core?

Thanks in advance

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Swim!!

Pilates is awesome, too, but swimming is so good for you and so easy on your joints.

You can do specific core exercises in Water (not swimming, although this is good too). If you get a belt (looks like a weight belt, usually blue, and has a snapping seat belt type closure)-can purchase at Sports Authority or Sports Chalet.

Initiatlly you will want to start without using water equipment on your legs since your core is weak.

1) put this belt on, lean back to float on your back.

2) have your legs extended, closed together, bring your knees to your chest (reverse crunch). Do this 15-20 reps x 3 sets

3) turn to your right or left (on your side), extend your legs then bring them to your body (butt)- side obliques 15-20 times x 3 sets on each side.

Do this for three months. Then, you can start adding water equipment such as hydrotone boots (www.hydrotone.com) I'm not sure if they are still in business or not.

I have the boots and water dumb bells (not the foam ones...these are yellow slatted plastic in the shape of an octgone.

When you can do this, I can give you advance core exercises. My fiance is a MMA fighter and has awesome exercises, but first things first.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to provide feedback to you.

Sincerely,

Jen

If you don't have access to a pool for Water exercise, then PM or email me and I'll give you exercises on land.

Sincerely,

Jen

i'm glad to hear swimming is good for the core. i am starting at a gym on friday and doing aquacize and swimming laps. i also just got a book on beginning pilates. so it looks like i'm going in the right direction.

My water classes include zumba, kickboxing and ballet as well as deep water aerobics and finning. If you are a good swimmer, consider investing in a good pair of fins and use them! They are great for the core as well as your rump. It's a much better workout.

Short list: Planks, Side Planks, Push Ups, Squats, Back Bridge, Oblique Twist, Lunges, Dragon Flags. Google any of these, there are youtube videos showing how to do them. They're all bodyweight movements that require no equipment.

Thanks so much!

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