Focus on your core

Whenever you walk or run, your core muscles are active, keeping you upright, balancing your body as your weight shifts, and absorbing the impact as your feet hit the ground. Your body's core forms the foundation of all your movement. If your core is weak, you are susceptible to poor posture and injury. Lower back pain is also more likely to occur.Your core muscles lie deep within your torso and pelvis. They are layered, overlapping and connected to each other.

Unlike weight lifting, a core-strengthening program exercises your whole system at once. You also don't need any equipment. The strength you use in holding a position, as well as the gravitational pull of your own weight, work out the core muscles. You'll be surprised at how great an effect a simple routine can have on your daily activities.

Breathing is important while you do core exercises. Practice breathing deeply from your diaphragm before starting core exercises. Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds, expelling as much air from your lungs as you can. Then inhale for 6 counts, feeling your belly and chest expand as your lungs fill with air. Repeat 3 times, then breathe at a more normal pace throughout your exercise.

Your core is the foundation of your whole body so focus on exercising it just a little when you do a normal workout or when you have a little time to kill. The breathing can be done anywhere, and just the breathing while holding your abdominal muscles in by itself can help strengthen your core. Whether your just sitting at home watching tv, or sitting at work or walking outside, try to focus on your core by giving the deep breathing a try. Always remember to smile!

Be well :)