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Original poster

If you did 1 thing daily for your core

38 replies

Coreistheword · 26/07/2022 06:37

I'm trying to improve my health and fitness after several years of neglect in that area (during which time I managed to become obese 😩). Taking it bit by bit so as to build new habits into my life sustainably. Mostly been about food and nutrition so far.

I now really want to work on my core muscles - I'm very overweight and carry much of around my middle (I'm 51). I know I can do Pilates classes etc and I will, but if you were to recommend one thing I can do daily- something fairly easy to achieve and work into a daily routine- what would it be?

OP posts:
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iloveeverykindofcat · 06/08/2022 11:36

Stomach vacuums. 5×1 min in the morning and the same at night. I made a big commitment to improve my core a couple of years ago because I'm incredibly hypermobile. Never really felt it in my twenties but now in my thirties my back goes to absolute hell if I don't keep my core strong. I also do Pilates.

deeperthanallroses · 06/08/2022 09:24

I’m saving this thread, my post baby abs are wrecked.

FlowerArranger · 06/08/2022 09:20

90% of abs are made in the kitchen, but a strong core definitely helps! For a start, being able to feel the abs beneath the flab is a strong motivator to eat less and exercise more.

Cut out sugar and ultra processed food, curb the carbs, eat mostly vegetables and lots of protein - and exercise. Sugar and carbs are addictive and make you sluggish. Unadulterated, whole foods fill you up much more.

It may take a while to see results, but you'll feel much better within a few weeks.

gamerchick · 06/08/2022 08:57

KangarooKenny · 06/08/2022 07:58

I can plank for a minute but I’ve still got a belly like Jabba the Hutt.

If you can plank for a minute then you have a strong core. It doesn't melt belly fat away.

KangarooKenny · 06/08/2022 07:58

I can plank for a minute but I’ve still got a belly like Jabba the Hutt.

Carlycat · 06/08/2022 00:32

Weightlifting with planks and V sits

FlowerArranger · 05/08/2022 22:56

Not sure what happened to the rest of my message.....

It works!

FlowerArranger · 05/08/2022 22:56

Not sure what happened to the rest of my message.....

It works!!

FlowerArranger · 05/08/2022 22:50

This

And this

HermioneWeasley · 04/08/2022 20:20

Les mills core (just do 15 min ab blast if pressed for time)

TheFormidableMrsC · 03/08/2022 23:21

Plank

UxbridgeVoteBJOut · 03/08/2022 22:39

I don't understand the 1-leg-stand thing. It just makes my lower leg hurt on the standing leg. I can slouch away in meantime.

Solosunrise · 03/08/2022 18:48

EhatBow · 02/08/2022 09:37

Stand on one foot while you brush your teeth. Honestly.

I do that!
Although it was being discussed on a thread and apparently someone's aunty fell over while doing it and had to have her toothbrush surgically removed from her mouth 😱
It's maybe not advised if you're very wobbly on one leg but I've found it helpful

EhatBow · 02/08/2022 09:37

Stand on one foot while you brush your teeth. Honestly.

Worldgonecrazy · 02/08/2022 09:34

Superman pull backs are great for posture and core.

lie on your front, arms in front, and lift feet and arms up as high as you can comfortably manage (superman style) . Whilst elevated pull the elbows down to your side and and in, then extend again and relax.

repeat twenty times.

DrDetriment · 01/08/2022 21:03

If you can't plank, start with simple core activations. Look up an exercise called leg slides, which is great one to get started with.

MsMartini · 01/08/2022 17:32

@Silverswirl, a good plank is quite a a hard exercise and they are often done badly. I would do some Pilates and build up.

Silverswirl · 01/08/2022 17:24

DrDetriment · 26/07/2022 07:17

Do a plank every day. Check YouTube for the right technique. Start slow and build up until you can do 1 minute. People always recommend yoga. While yoga is great, it's not specifically for core and you need the max effect for the least time I'm a qualified PT.

Sorry to jump on -
I literally can’t plank. I’m not obese, I’m within the bmi range but my back is in pieces if I even get 5 seconds or even get in the position!?

GoodThinkingMax · 01/08/2022 17:20

Engage your core muscles EVERY TIME you walk anywhere.

That is, improve your posture. Walk tall and consciously engage your core muscles like a corset. Every day for several hours.

BogRollBOGOF · 27/07/2022 09:24

There's loads of 10 minute yoga/ pilates videos on youtube. Easy to fit in and gives more variety than just doing something like planks.
Little and often is good.

I don't know a lot amount about it but the Alexander technique is about improving posture and core in everday life.

Original poster
Coreistheword · 26/07/2022 18:51

Thanks for all the top tips everyone! 😊@DrDetriment @Ravenclawdropout @SomethingToldTheWildGeese @gamerchick @Janek @Solosunrise @Bigoldmachine @RelentlessForwardProgress @IBelieveInAThingCalledScience @MsMartini

I was at work all day so have only just seen these. They're all super helpful ideas - thank you!!

OP posts:
MsMartini · 26/07/2022 09:11

Planks are great. I also recommend Lottie Murphy online pilates (free youtube channel and also a paid version).

https://www.youtube.com/c/LottieMurphy/videos

My dh has been doing these (very intermittently) and it has really helped his core strength, and strength and flexibility generally. Start with one of the more basic ones, especially if you haven't done Pilates before, and/or combine with RL classes.

I am older than you and strength train and run - I think Pilates is a good way to build core strength but also work on form, provides solid foundation for anything else.

IBelieveInAThingCalledScience · 26/07/2022 09:03

Pilates is all about core.

Loads of helpful videos on YouTube.

RelentlessForwardProgress · 26/07/2022 09:01

Plank for me too! I used to try and hold a plank for 30 seconds, thinking that was enough! Then I started going to crossfit where 5 minute planks are a thing 😮
I'm up to about 3 mins now, but I'll get there one day

Bigoldmachine · 26/07/2022 08:57

Ballet barre workout (lots on YouTube). Also walking tall and trying to engage core when doing any movement - eg, reaching up to a high shelf - engage core! Climbing into the bath - engage core!

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