The Most Basic Core

The first asana session in my yoga instructor certification course, I didn’t know if I would make it! I was the most out of shape I had ever been and I felt that I didn’t have the stamina or the strength to get through it, let alone three days in a row. It was time to pull out my (so far unused) home gym and get back to it. But where do you even start when you’re winded just walking up the stairs? I started with the most basic exercises I could do, and as few of them as necessary for this aching body to still function the next day.

Well recently I was asked about core exercises for very beginners. When your core fatigues from simply holding your body upright, sit-ups aren’t what you’re looking for. Simple, functional movements help to stabilize your posture while gradually increasing mobility. Then you can move into targeted exercises to build strength and tone. Each exercise is followed by modifications so you adjust them to where you are and as you progress. The number of repetitions is up to you. Start low and see how you feel the next day, work your way up from there.

Core #1 consists of motions that engage the core. Not everyone can get down on the floor (or back up for that matter), so I felt it important to start with standing exercises.

Core #2 consists of basic movements while lying on your back. I’ll take a second to bring up sit-ups again, but only so far as to say I rather hate them so you’re not going to find them here.

Stay tuned for more core videos to come. Like I said, these were made by request so let me know what else you need!