Training & Sports A Stronger CoreAthletes need speed, power, agility and focus. They compete against time, themselves, and other athletes. Whether an athlete wants to boost his strength, acceleration, endurance, direction change speed, or overall speed, a stronger core will deliver power and power movements. Building a stronger core means working the upper and lower back and the hips along with abs. Any athlete with a stronger core will perform at a higher level.
Sprinter abs: Lie on your back. Sit up bringing your left knee to your chest. As you sit up, lift your right arm out in front ‘til it’s on line with your right shoulder. Move your left hand back as if you were reaching into your back pocket. Lie flat. Repeat the same movements using the opposite knees and hands. Do 15 -25 each day. It’s mental sprinting without any hurdles.
Yoga back: Lie on your stomach. Lift either of your arms and the opposite leg off the ground at the same time, without bending either of them- hold - and and then lower them, without letting them drop. Repeat 10-15 times. Do the same thing, using the opposite arm and leg. It’s like power swimming mentally -without messing up your hair.
Balanced hips: Stand with legs shoulder width apart. Raise one knee and then extend your foot out to as close to parallel with the floor as you can. Slightly bend the other knee. Balance. Use the extended foot as a pen, and write the alphabet – in caps - one letter at a time. Switch legs and get those ABC’s going on the other side. Most sports mean changing direction quickly, and strong hips are key for rapid, power movements.
Sprinter abs: Lie on your back. Sit up bringing your left knee to your chest. As you sit up, lift your right arm out in front ‘til it’s on line with your right shoulder. Move your left hand back as if you were reaching into your back pocket. Lie flat. Repeat the same movements using the opposite knees and hands. Do 15 -25 each day. It’s mental sprinting without any hurdles.
Yoga back: Lie on your stomach. Lift either of your arms and the opposite leg off the ground at the same time, without bending either of them- hold - and and then lower them, without letting them drop. Repeat 10-15 times. Do the same thing, using the opposite arm and leg. It’s like power swimming mentally -without messing up your hair.
Balanced hips: Stand with legs shoulder width apart. Raise one knee and then extend your foot out to as close to parallel with the floor as you can. Slightly bend the other knee. Balance. Use the extended foot as a pen, and write the alphabet – in caps - one letter at a time. Switch legs and get those ABC’s going on the other side. Most sports mean changing direction quickly, and strong hips are key for rapid, power movements.
