Mar. 31, 2009
Core Strength for Fat Loss
By now the world is well aware of how core strength can benefit your overall fat loss. I mean hell everyone calls themselves a “core expert” or “fat loss expert” and more then half don’t know anything concerning true core strength.
I still get harrassed by my fellow natural bodybuilders who find it hard pressed to believe that I don’t train like Joe Muscle from the latest Muscle and Fiction. Look sorry to disappointed but a staple in all of my programs has always been core strength. Without it I would not be where I am today.
Even in the way I train my clients. No matter if I am training my clients in a boot camp or working with some of my amateur Mixed Martial Artists we are performing core movements. The stronger the core the more advanced movements your body will be able to perform. Without proper use of your core your body will not function to its optimal level. Now if you are going to reach rapid fat loss you want your core to be working with you, not against you.
There are ways that you can immediately make fast gains in your core strength to help your overall fat loss.
I am not going to get technical here because lets be honest. Do you really want to hear that? Or If you want I can talk about your lumbo pelvic hip position being directly effected by reciprocal inhibition of the psoas.
How does that sound?
Yeah I thought so.
So try these…in no particular order.
1. SQUEEZE YOUR BUTT! Next time you exercise flex your butt! Hey ladies you do want to work it right? Then use it. As much as men hate to do legs, you can actually strengthen your upper body by flexing your butt during say a Standing Military Press.
2. More Full Body Movements.Stop doing so much body part, abdominal work and cardio. Focus on the true “core” exercises. Deadlifts, Squats, Front Squats, Barbell Rows to name a few.
3. Dedicate a Day to Core. Hell, why not? Guys fit in days dedicated to arms when they can be building bigger arms performing more of the movements listed above.
"Curls for Girls!"
4. High Intensity Interval Training. I don’t care if you only do it for 10 minutes. When done right and to the correct intensity many of you will only last 10 minutes! Why in the world do you think sprinters look the way they do? It has a lot to do with their training and muscle recruitment. Take NOTES!
5. Bodyweight Training.Some of the most difficult and effective core based, fat burning and muscle building exercises consist of nothing more then moving your bodyweight through space!
"Ok not that type of bodyweight training."
Your core strength can be a determining factor on how quickly and effectively you burn fat. The fitness industry continues to push multi-joint movements that recruit multiple muscle fibers. It is a valid point. In order to recruit more muscle fibers you need to use your core.
There is not one workout, one exercise, or one program that I design that does not include core strength. It is a staple for achieving not only fat loss but an overall lean physique.
Posted in Core Training, Fat Loss by |
