I have zero core strength

[MissGruffalo]

How do I improve it?
Would yoga help?
If so, where do I start? I’m totally inflexible and have never tried yoga before. (Unless pratting about on a wii fit counts )

I need something I can do at home. By my self. In a darkened room. Where no one can ever see. 🙈

Yes, yoga will help! Pilates is probably slightly better, as it is very focused on the core and the deep core muscles (transverse abdominis). I have had 3 c sections and my core was destroyed, but a regular yoga practice has helped enormously. I added pilates once a week and it became much better quite quickly. So, I would do both!

I would go to a class if you can - home practice is good once you know what you're doing, but there are huge benefits to practicing with a teacher.

Hi OP, yoga with Adriene on YouTube is good, varying degrees of difficulty and specific sessions targeted at core strength. For me what improved mine massively though was the 7 minute workout woman app which is free and has a range of workouts from 5-30 mins. If you’re anything like me, you do have to be quite motivated and determined to make yourself do it but seriously, I did the app 3 times a week and yoga 2-3 times a week for about 3 months last year and the results were amazing!

Thanks all! Two c sections has utterly ruined any core strength I had (not to mention my body shape)
Will have a look at the YouTube vids and the 7 minute workouts.

I’m very intrigued by Pilates.
I really don’t want to go to a class. I have no one to go with and I’d just embarrass myself if I went alone.
I’ve looked into one on one sessions but they’re so expensive.

Are these workouts none sweaty? As in, if I do it before the school run, could I just run out the door without worrying about showering?
(I know that makes me sound like a stinky mare, I do shower regularly, honest, but all other workouts I’ve done such as 30 day shred, have left me dripping and needing to shower, which then leads to doing hair and make up again and I just don’t have time!)

Pilates!
I've been doing it 3 months as my core strength was rubbish. I can really feel the difference already.
I do it twice a week as a class

I dont think ive ever gone to a class with someone.

Pilates is brilliant, all instructors I have ever experienced give at least three level options for each exercise. Do the level one version for at least ten weeks even if it feels easy - as you will be improving technique. And don't worry about what anyone around you is doing.

Yes you can do loads of beginner core strength work without getting sweaty. And even tiny things like standing on one leg while waiting in queues will help if you do them consistently.

And yes, it is possible to do a class effectively without needing a shower!

Mutu is absolutely raved about and is something you can do at home. It’s not the cheapest but is really focussed on women who have had children and therefore (May) need different exercises. If you have diastasis recti for example you absolutely should not be doing crunches.

Mumhood also do an excellent post natal set of videos which covers core strength.

Please try and go to classes until you're more familiar with the poses. It's not weird to go by yourself at all... 90% do! Yoga and Pilates are so much better taught so a teacher can check your alignment. My mum is a yoga teacher and I have tons of yoga and Pilates teacher friends and trust me... they are every level of ability in class, zero judgement. The great thing for them is seeing people really get in to it and reap the rewards.

Both use a lot of core work however Pilates is smaller, more controlled movements whereas yoga focuses a bit more on flexibility, balance and mental well-being.

It depends how hard you work how much you will sweat... a Vinyasa class which is fast flowing will definitely have you breaking a sweat. I would sweat in a Pilates class if I was working hard.

I had a c section 12 weeks ago and I'm just now starting to get back into my practice... little and often is key.

I know you said you don't want to go to a class,but it really would be worth checking out a yoga class. I've never been with anyone either! Also, my gym has a particular Ab class which is amazing for ab work/improving core strength. Might be worth checking your local to see what they offer?
I've been doing this since January, and it's sorted my bad back out... I've had no back pain for 3 months

If you had “zero core strength “ you’d struggle to stand upright.

There are some really, REALLY easy exercises that improve core strength in YouTube. Try them.

Check out the youtube videos on Pilates, to see what it's like. Yoga is super similar. I reckon I'd die of boredom b4 breaking a sweat. But some people love them.

I've never been to yoga classes with someone either. I think if you go to the local authority run gym places they tend to be full of people of all shapes and sizes. They also usually have variations depending on your ability. My class does shoulder stands, but offers alternatives. The local Pilates class is the same.

I've definitely found both really good for my core strength, and will do bits at home now I've been to a few classes.

I would also say, that actually now I've been going to a yoga class consistently for a few months it might look like I know people: but I didn't before I went to the classes.

Please don’t do yoga or Pilates on your own from a video, until you’ve been to a class and the instructor has ensured you’re doing the moves properly.

I went to Pilates on my own and quickly met people. There are all shapes, sizes and ages in the classes. No one will look or judge. I do yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Booty Barre, body conditioning and flex and tone now. Sometimes Iuse an abs roller at home too, but I wouldn’t do any of it without someone overseeing first, to make sure you’re doing it properly.

Don't be embarrassed about going to classes! They really are full of people of all shapes, sizes and ability. It really is a lot safer and more effective to practice with a teacher - you will get a lot more from it.

Perhaps do a couple of one to ones to get your confidence up?

There doesn’t seem to be many classes by me and the one they have is at a very inconvenient time. Ah phooey.
I would have thought Pilate classes were more popular 🤷‍♀️

Does stationary cycling help core strength? *clutches at straws to find any exercise I can actually do

After my caesarean I was struggling with poor core strength and I took up barre classes for about three months. It changed my life! No more pain! Couldn't believe it!! I highly recommend barre, it's like a mix of Pilates and ballet, but you don't have to be coordinated to do it.

Most exercise will help your core strength but you need to engage your core, same goes with targeted core exercises like sit ups

Make sure you are engaging your muscles and by this I mean, lie on your back, feet on the floor, and sort of tighten your abs so you can feel them firm up and lift your head to do a sit up but make sure you are holding your abs in if you can. If they start to “come” or round then that’s what you want to avoid. Do what you can while keeping your abs in and flat and then build up to more exercise. Same goes with any other exercise or just going about your day, try to engage your abs, and that will help improve their strength

Have you checked the Leisure Centres for Pilates - my nearest one does 6 classes a week and it is always full. I booked on to next Saturday at midnight last night when bookings opened. They are looking to run more but decent teachers and studio space are at a premium. Be careful though - my teacher runs an induction day once a month and my previous teacher insisted on a 1-1 initial session before I could go to a class. Be wary of any teacher ( yoga or pilates) who stands at the front of the class and does not wonder around checking your position and adjusting if necessary ( if you are happy with being moved of course) . I have done Pilates for several years but would not do an on line class.

Have you thought about swimming? That has helped my core strength.

Some great suggestions here, thanks. I’m determined to build up some strength! Hopefully it will help with my posture and overall body shape as well.

@misscockerspaniel I’d love to go swimming... but I can’t swim
I go with the kids but that’s more of a splash around.
Last time we went, I tried ‘swimming’ to see if it would click with me but I just can’t do it. I genuinely felt like I didn’t have the strength!

Plank is effective for activating your core and can be done at home - you can start by holding plank position for 20 seconds and build up from there (keep your bum low!) There are loads of variations too once you’re a bit more confident.

I had hardly any core strength at all when I started excerising but it does build up nicely if you find something and stick with it for a while.