Two exercises to strengthen the midsection
What bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts knew before as abdominal and lower back muscles have been in more recent times, grouped together to be called the “core.” The core is where the body’s power and strength come from. This is also the midsection area of a person’s body.
In today’s blog, personal trainer Ayden Hector looks at two essential exercises elite athletes do that strengthen the core.
Deadlifts
The deadlift is one of the four main full-body exercises, including pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. While these four exercises work a person’s core, it’s the deadlift that strengthens the midsection the most.
A person has to bend at the waist and grip the barbell from the floor to do it properly. A straight back is a must, with knees bent a little. Then, without changing form, contract the ab muscles and use the lower back’s power to stand straight back up.
Planks
Ayden Hector notes that the plank is one of the most effective workout finishers he’s ever tried. To do a plank, a person has to be face-down on the floor, propped up on their elbows and toes. The goal here is to keep oneself as straight as a board for a given period (usually 30 to 60 seconds). Holding the position will work on your shoulders, legs, and most of all, abdominals and lower back.
There are several ways to do the plank if one needs the extra challenge. Ayden Hector adds that a person can increase the time they spend on the plank if they feel they’re getting stronger.
