3 Core Exercises to Help Increase Your Athletic Ability
Building the strength of your core muscles is key to maximizing your athletic ability. These central muscles tie your entire body together. Almost every dynamic athletic movement depends to some extent on the muscles of your core region.
Whether you are a sprinter blasting from the starting blocks, a basketball player leaping toward the basket, or a downhill skier slashing down the hill; a fit and well coordinated group of core muscles will help you get the job done quicker and more efficiently. Below are 3 core exercises you can add to your current exercise routines to help set you apart from the competition.
The next time you do push ups, add a set of prison cell push ups to your workout. To do these, start from a standing position. Bend forward and place your hands on the floor while jumping your feet back to a push up position. From here do a regular push up. Then bring each knee to your chest alternately. Next jump your feet together and stand.
For your next core exercise, try a push up combined with an arm balance. You will begin in the push up position by doing a regular push up. At the top of the push up. Reach one arm up toward the sky. Go into a one arm balance with one arm and one foot on the ground.
Now take the arm reaching toward the sky and bend it underneath your body. Do another push up followed by a one arm balance with the other arm. Bend it underneath your body. That's one repetition.
The final core exercise works the muscles of the core in a twisting motion. This is great because so many athletic motions and motions in everyday life involve twisting. Begin by standing with your feet about shoulder width apart. Reach down with both hands and lift a light weight high above your head and over the opposite shoulder with a twisting motion.
Return the weight to the ground. Alternate sides with each set. Try adding these 3 core exercises to your next workouts. See if they help you increase your athletic ability. By paying attention to the muscles that many athletes neglect, you can gain a secret advantage over your competition.
