Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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:
DrDetriment · 26/07/2022 08:51

Walking is brilliant exercise and good for weight loss but will do nothing for your core I'm afraid. Weights absolutely will, especially if you are using free weights rather than machines.

Planks don't have to be done on the floor. I worked with an 89 year old with very bad shoulders doing it against the wall. You can also do a standing core movement where you stand on one leg, stretch the non standing leg behind you and your arms to the front, as near to horizontal to the floor as you can get, then stand straight again. 10 on each side.

Solosunrise · 26/07/2022 08:48

I find being mindful of using my core whatever I'm doing really helpful.
Have always walked a lot and have recently upped it to be brisk enough to make me sweat, so it feels like a workout. Going up hills I'm really aware of what muscles I'm using.
I can't explain well how to engage core while walking but I just googled it and there are lots of useful articles and videos.
Hope that's helpful. Best of luck!

Janek · 26/07/2022 08:41

I did Plankathon a few years ago - it's a 30 day plank challenge by a guy called George Anderson. It's on you tube. I've never quite made it to the end, but basically takes about five mins a day with different plank activities each day. I may do it again, now you've reminded me of it!

1some1 · 26/07/2022 08:37

Need good (pain-free) shoulders to do plank.

I have chronic shoulder issues so not for me.

gamerchick · 26/07/2022 08:33

Davinas 5 week fit has an ab routine that includes planks. 7 minutes long and no matter how strong your core is you'll still feel it the next day.

SomethingToldTheWildGeese · 26/07/2022 08:29

2 x 30 minute walks a day

  • I lost 12 inches from my middle when doing my walks
Ravenclawdropout · 26/07/2022 07:31

A good brisk walk of at least 20-30 minutes. Walking is really effect for losing weight and strengthening core muscles.

I also weight train 3x a week. Its great at improving posture and whittling down your waistline.

Original poster
Coreistheword · 26/07/2022 07:29

Thanks @alphasox and @DrDetriment sounds like the plank would be a great one to get started with. I've never done one. It looks hard! But sounds like it would target core strength in a really efficient way. Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
Coreistheword · 26/07/2022 07:27

@Wellthatsjustswell thanks for this and for the links - so helpful!

OP posts:
DrDetriment · 26/07/2022 07:19

A full stop is missing before I'm a qualified PT!

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.

alphasox · 26/07/2022 07:08

Plank

Wellthatsjustswell · 26/07/2022 07:06

Yoga with Kassandra. she has lots of 10 minute workouts so it doesn’t feel like you are doing too much. I started in lock down and I now have rock hard abs and toned arms and legs for the first time ever. I’m post menopausal & late 40’s. She has 20/30/hour long workouts but I still sometimes only manage 10 minutes and I just feel better for doing something-mentally and physically.