Some of our favorite core exercises

Let’s talk about your core. There’s a lot out there in the fitness world which emphasizes movement through the core in order to train “your abs”. Think about crunches, sit-ups, russian twists, and all the other staples that have historically been shown in popular culture and carried out in gym settings. 

We’re not saying that’s wrong, but we take a different approach at SSP called anti-core training. I know, it sounds counterintuitive, right? While we didn’t come up with the name, the purpose makes a lot of sense to us. 

We use our core in most daily activity and to stabilize our body as we’re moving, whether exercising, walking, or carrying something. Our goal therefore is to train stabilization versus movement, which means we actively want to resist movement through the core. 

If you think about a standard front plank position, we are actively resisting extension of the spine. In order to do this, your core has to work in order to stabilize and prevent extension in the lower back. Another example is a kettlebell suitcase carry where we want to carry a heavy kettlebell on one side of the body while resisting lateral flexion (i.e. a bending to one side). The core is actively working to prevent that side movement. 

Why is this helpful? 

Well, your core connects your entire body. It’s responsible for coordinating movement and for resisting it when needed. This resistance keeps your spine safe and your body moving efficiently, and specifically in exercise, we want our core to be stable during big compound movements like a deadlift or squat. 

Check out our Instagram post for some of our favorite anti-core exercises. 

Each of these movements is designed to challenge your core in a way that helps you move and feel better, both in the gym and in everyday life.

So, the next time you’re lifting, running, or simply carrying groceries, remember that your core is ALWAYS working behind the scenes to keep you strong, stable, and pain-free! That’s why your sessions at SSP will always include at least one (if not a few) core exercises every time!