core training

Core training is probably the most important element of your training making the difference from clearing a steep hill climb, to holding a handstand, or your stance on a wave. on the trail, i call it "pulling G's" -- power and speed perfectly balanced by your body weight all thanks to your core. visual: motorcycle rider taking a turn with a knee down.

The core is complex set of muscles comprised not just of your 'six pack' but with your obliques (near your hip bones) to your waist, your back muscles, and a series of muscles under your arm pit.

1. sit up tall so that your shoulders are directly over your hips.
2. then, bare with me, imagine holding your pee and poo (these are your perineum muscles). you may have noticed that you just sat up a bit taller. pretty cool.
3. now engage your 'six pack'- draw your navel toward your spin; another 'cue' is to imagine if someone was going to punch you in the stomach.
4. finally draw your shoulders down and notice the muscles under your arm pit get intense.
there you go...your core is engaged.

strengthening your core should be done more often than not; not to keep you strong but also to align all those neuromuscular receptors.

core exercise #1 (more to come)
sit in a chair - place your hands next to your hips. next, bring your knees toward your chest. bring your shoulders down (keep your knees as high as you can) and then lift your butt off the chair. hold for 5-30 seconds. do it again.

have fun training!