Core Strength for Everyday Life

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This week, we're celebrating the importance of core strength! Your core includes muscles in your abdomen, back, and pelvis, and those muscles help support you through all kinds of everyday movement.

A stronger core can help with balance, posture, lifting, carrying, bending, and even just sitting or standing for a long period of time. It can also make activities like gardening, walking, shoveling, playing with kids, or carrying groceries feel a little easier. 

Here are some simple movements that can fit into the day pretty easily:

  • Practice balance. Stand on one foot while brushing your teeth or waiting for the coffee to brew. Keep a hand near the counter if you need it. 
  • Carry something on one side. A grocery bag, tote bag, or other manageable weight carried in one hand asks your core to help keep you upright. Switch sides after a short distance. 
  • Do a desk push. Stand and place your hands on a table or desk. Try to push the surface to the ground. You should feel your entire core engage.
  • Give yourself credit for what you already do. Walking, climbing stairs, yardwork, dancing, and many other everyday activities naturally use your core.
A few minutes here and there adds up! And feeling stronger and steadier in the things you already do is great motivation. If you'd like to learn more, check out the links below. 

6 Exercises You Can Do at Your Desk | Cleveland Clinic

The Real World Benefits of Strengthening Your Core | Harvard Health

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