More and more our work involves sitting down. We stare at computer screens for eight hours a day. Instead of doing physical work such as farming or building, we type on a keyboard and talk on a cell phone. The long-term result is that muscles, tendons, and ligaments lost their integrity. Tight neck muscles, tight lower back muscles, and weak abdominal muscles are the result, and these issues lead to more serious problems such as chronic headaches, lower back pain, cardiovascular stress, and impaired digestion. We need fitness activities that start building us back up again, and the right place to start is at the center - by engaging in core fitness.
Start with this simple but effective exercise for strengthening the abdominal muscles.
1. Lie on your back on an exercise mat. Rest your calves on a physioball (or even a coffee table) so your legs are elevated and bent at 90 degrees. Doing this protects your lower
back and helps flatten your lower back on the mat. Your arms are gently crossed across your chest or lightly touching your head just behind your ears.
2. Using your abdominal muscles, curl up off the mat. Make sure you're not using your neck muscles to assist. Your neck should be relaxed.
3. Lower your torso to the mat, relax a moment, and repeat.
Posted: June 27, 2012