Having a strong core will really help you achieve all your other gym goals and make daily life an awful lot easier… but it can be hard to get to the point where your core feels strong. So what can you do about it to really give you a good head start?
Pilates is the answer! The main focus of this kind of exercise is the core, although you will see strength gains in other parts of your body as well, so it really is a win-win. It can also help with flexibility to a certain degree, although it’s not a cardio workout so you’ll still need to factor this in somewhere else in your training sessions.
If you enjoy yoga but feel that you need a more intense core workout, pilates would be a good choice. It involves precise movements and different breathing techniques, so if you’re used to doing yoga you should find you pick it up quite easily.
The system was developed at the start of the 20th century by one Joseph Pilates (hence the name!), although he called it Contrology. You can do it on a mat or with special equipment like a Wunda Chair, Cadillac or Reformer, which will provide you with resistance or support, depending on what you need.
Doing pilates regularly will help to improve your muscle tone and posture, as well as balance and joint mobility, reducing the chances of sustaining a serious injury as well.