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Can you believe it’s almost September? The summer flew by! While I love the laid-back vibes of summer, there’s something so motivating about a fall routine. With the kids back to school and work schedules returning to normal, we have more predictability in our daily routine to make fitness a priority.
What if I told you that we can all recommit to fitness this month — and see results! — with just 7 minutes a day? That’s what this month’s challenge is designed to do. In addition to walking for a cardio workout, the goal is to perform 7 minutes of core work every single day this month to make moving a habit, strengthen your core and start seeing results that will motivate you to keep it up.
What is the core?
Many people hear “core” and think abdominal muscles. And while yes, the abdominals are a part of the core, they are not the only muscle group that makes up the area.
The core muscles also include the erector spinae (the muscles that run along the spine), the inner and outer thighs, and the muscles of the pelvic floor. The deepest core muscle, the transverse abdominis, runs from the ribs to the pubic bone and wraps around the trunk like a corset. This muscle should be engaged during every single core exercise.
Benefits of core workouts
The core is the foundation of the body and vital to every kind of movement.
When engaged properly, the core takes pressure off of the back and hips and supports the body in all of its movements — both day-to-day and athletic movements. The core is instrumental in moving our body functionally during everyday activities like bending over, reaching up, twisting, getting out of bed and putting things away. A strong core will also help you feel more stable during your cardio and strength workouts.
Core workouts build strength that improves balance and stability and improves muscle tone in the…
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