For years I focused on mostly cardio exercises such as running on the treadmill, doing the elliptical and sometimes I would add some strength training exercises, as well. Though I managed to stay in shape, I lacked in many important fitness areas such as balance, coordination and core strength. A push up? Yeah, right! Planks? That's too hard! Pull-ups? Forget it! But with the same routine I got bored and found my body was actually maintaining and not improving. I started challenging myself with push-ups, for those who know me, push-ups are now my favorites! I found that WOW, they were hard but not impossible. As I ventured out, I found the most effective form of training that helped me with my push-ups---CORE TRAINING. Let me explain why. Your CORE consists of the following muscles: Abdominals, lower back, obliques, hip flexors, glutes, and thighs. These muscles run the length of the trunk and torso and when they contract they stabilize the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle and create a solid base of support. Think of your CORE muscles the foundation, base of your body. Therefore, if these muscles are strong, so is the rest of your body.

How do you strengthen your CORE? Start with lifting your own body weight. When was the last time you tried a push-up? Yes, you can do one, I promise! Start with a wall push up, graduate to a bench push-up, then move up to floor push ups, you can even modify to more advanced by lifting one leg of the floor. That's just a sample of the many exercises you can do by using your own body weight. You carry your body weight every day, so if you learn how to carry it properly, your posture, balance and coordination will improve. Other great exercises that will strengthen the CORE without the use of equipment are planks, squats, dips, lunges, and back extensions, just to name a few. As you are working on strengthening the CORE by using your own body weight you will be working on strengthening other muscles such as arms, shoulders, chest, back, and lower body. Are you ready to start challenging your body and building a strong, stable CORE? Many fitness professionals and fitness facilities will offer new ways of training. Look for boot camps, circuit trainings, body conditionings, cardio boxing and kickboxing classes. Also, pilates and power yoga classes are great for strengthening the CORE! All these classes can be found in fitness clubs and studios in Broad Ripple:

Challenge yourself. Try something new that you've never tried before. Your body and mind will love the new challenge and don't be surprised when you can do a push-up or 10!