When you’re doing a bikini shoot, there’s nothing worse than a flabby stomach with no tone or muscle definition. Photoshop can only do so much after all! Getting a hot midsection is not easy, but it is entirely possible if you’re willing to put in a little work.
There are more reasons to build up a strong core though, and it’s not all about getting a toned stomach. Building up your core strength will help to avoid back problems and even give you a straighter posture. This is not just about getting a six-pack – it’s about boosting all of the muscles around your stomach, spine and pelvis.
Here’s a very simple, non-scientific way to measure your core strength:
Your muscles, the ones under your fingertips, should feel tighter and flatter as you sit up. The muscles that are under your thumbs should shorten and pull inward towards your core. They are providing support to the middle of your body.
As you do this sit up, your lower abdomen should NOT push upward against your fingertips and the muscles under your thumbs should NOT get wider and longer. If they do, you have some work to do to get yourself a strong core!
Everyone should be aware of what their neutral spine alignment is - the positioning of their spine that puts the least stress possible on their body. This is what good posture is all about, and it’s particularly important for a successful modeling career. We’re born with good posture, but it often gets altered and weakened by the rigors of our everyday lives.
Whether you’re working out or just sitting at the computer, it’s wise to keep in mind how you are sitting. When you want to slump a little, try to straighten up and keep your lower back smoothly curved. If you keep your spine in neutral alignment and learn to love your strength position, your body will stay healthier as it is staying in the most stress-free position possible.
Make sure that when you train you are using your muscles to create a strong and stable core. Don’t even think of starting an exercise before you’re sure that your spine and muscles are in proper alignment and are positioned in such a way that you not only get the most out of your chosen exercises, but that you don’t hurt yourself. Don’t waste time doing exercise that’s doing nothing for you. Make sure that the exercises you choose are appropriate to your purpose – the strengthening of your core.
When exercising, be aware of moving with purpose. You don’t always have to keep the neutral alignment we spoke of above. Just be aware of it. Feel how your body feels during each exercise. Focus on how your muscles work and engage and how each part of your body feels. If you try to pay attention to all of your muscles in your mid-section, you’ll be ensuring that they’re all worked in a similar fashion.
Here are three simple exercises you can do at home, in between jobs, or in a hotel room.
It takes work and practice to build a strong core, but keep up the exercises and you can do it. Your stability and mobility will be much improved, your posture will be straighter, and you will feel much stronger and more in control of your body.
A Yoga Teacher and Lemonade Cleanse expert reveals the life-changing journey that helped her lose weight and rejuvenate her body!
If you suffer from symptoms like excess belly fat, acne, constipation, gas or low energy levels, click here to read more about the Refresh Button e-book...
The Refresh Button is written by Carol Greene, a mother, yoga instructor and Lemonade Cleanse expert.
Start transforming your body today - Click Here to find out more about The Refresh Button e-book!
Diet Tips | Diet Plan Reviews | Real Model Diets | Diet Tools | Celebrity Diet tips | Metabolism Boosters | Tips For Eating Out | Top 10 Diet Tips | Vitamins and Weight Loss | Top 10 Low Calorie Snacks
The articles that our readers enjoyed the most.
Diet and exercise tips from real fashion models, delivered straight to your inbox.
Cleansing diets to lose weight
Do you suffer from Candida?
Can low thyroid function cause weight gain?