When getting into shape, it is no secret that building up your core is the great way to optimize your body’s structure and strength. However, most people don’t realize that simply doing traditional abdominal exercises like sit-ups won’t build up the core strength that can help you advance to the next level of fitness training or activity.

 

While a strong core can make your stomach look flat and toned, it is crucial for improving your overall body strength. First of all, using your core helps relieve significant pressure on your spine and back, and can promote healthier posture. Core strength is also incredibly helpful with improving balance and flexibility, which can be useful in exercises from yoga to surfing.

 

The reason simple sit-ups don’t increase your core strength is that there are three different muscle groups in the abdominal areas. The upper abs are those that benefit from sit-ups, and are one of the first to show success in your ab routine. The oblique muscles are the muscles that run along your side, and can also be addressed through more traditional routines.

 

However, the target area to really increase your core strength is the deep muscles in this area, the ones that aren’t always engaged with traditional sit-ups. This deep layer is the one that helps support the spine and engages with other muscles throughout the body, making it easier for you to both participate in activities and handle daily life.

 

For those looking to strengthen their cores, finding somewhere to do Pilates Brooklyn can be the quickest way to focus on this area. Pilates is a great choice because it is designed to engage the core and a number of other related areas, meaning that your body’s muscles are all working together to increase strength and flexibility.

 

Working with a personal trainer NYC can also be a great way to focus on building up your core as well as addressing the other elements of your body that you’d like to work on. A trainer can help you learn movements and exercises – some of these based on Pilates and yoga – that will optimally address each area, helping you on your way to a stronger body and a leaner physique.

 

Remember, whether you’re looking to build up more strength or simply get into better shape, focusing on building up your core will help your body look and feel better for years to come.