What’s shakin’?

How are things going this week – finally back into your rhythm after the holidays?

Last week I was out of town for some meetings on Thursday/Friday, so it was a bit of a mish-mash still, but this week I am feeling back on track.

The meetings were for a Mastermind group I belong to and it is always motivating to see those who take the most action working on the right things are achieving their goals.

Those who are taking the time to think about it, waiting until their plan is just right or going off and working on what they think is important rather than just doing what our coaches tell them – – they are spinning their wheels.  I know in May they will still be right were they are now – – only more frustrated.  I also know eventually they will quit, while the achievers keep moving forward.

Sounds a bit like training doesn’t it?

In addition to being around a group of focused and motivated achievers for a few days, I always love the dinner that our coaches treat us to on the Friday night – they always pick an awesome restaurant and this time was no exception.  It was a steak place, so I ordered the steak (duh) and it was a Kona coffee encrusted, bone in, NY Strip.

YUUUUUMMMMMMM!

Anyway – now that we are all hungry…I’m going to give you those core exercises.

Performance Enhancing Core Exercises

These are what we in the biz call ‘functional’ core exercises.  What that means is these exercises actually train the muscles of the hips and torso to work together the way they do in sport or real life.

The way they work when you are shoulder to shoulder battling for a ball in soccer or a puck along the board.  They way they work when you are returning a backhand in tennis or squash.

We are not trying to mimic the movements, but teach the muscles of the torso how to stabilize while movement is generated at the extremities.

The kneeling position puts more of the emphasis on your torso to stabilize.

Remember to stay tall in your torso and resist the temptation to use as heavy a weight as you can find.  We are just working on stabilization and stamina in those muscles.  There should not be any movement or rotation through your hips and torso.

Tall Kneeling Chop

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Tall Kneeling Lift

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How many?

Do 2-3 sets of 8 each.

By now, I hope you know that crunches are not helping you perform (they are not helping you get a six pack either) better in your sport – so add this functional core exercise to your routine and pay attention to what is going on not just in the front of your abs, but around your entire torso, even your butt will be working.

Enjoy!

Cheers,
M

PS – If you (or someone you love) has untapped athletic potential, if you feel like you just need the right key to unlock that potential and see your athleticism take a quantum leap, then this is a great time for you to check out how we do exactly that at RevCon.  Click HERE to claim your three free sessions (no strings – honest) or email (maria[at]revolutionconditioning.com) or phone 519-645-6161 to get the scoop!  New athletes who join in February, get all of March for FREE!