Abs/core - to work or not to work?

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by zoegirl

OK, Cheri and Pam, any pilates DVDs you would recommend? I am looking at Tracy Mallett's DVD with the ball. Any others you recommend for someone who dreads and avoids core work? I have Cathe's ICE series with the ab add-ons and lots of Suzanne Bowen. I just usually skip over the ab portions.

Thank you, everyone! Keep the ideas coming! I love hearing your experiences!

My #1 favorite Pilates DVD is Tracey Mallett's Pilates Super Sculpt.

EDIT - Lots on YouTube if you can stream.

[flowerpotcat]

Originally Posted by blueskies

...I've been doing a shortened form of Slim in 6 (using selected portions of BIU and KIU), ... and have managed to keep the workouts to a reasonable 20 minutes. I will be posting more details about it soon, once my 6-8 week experiment is up.

I'll be waiting for your details on a shortened version of BIU and KIU. I really like Slim in 6 but the more advanced workouts are just too long. Please share your routine when you're ready. TIA!

[suzannaerin]

Originally Posted by yogapam

My #1 favorite Pilates DVD is Tracey Mallett's Pilates Super Sculpt.

EDIT - Lots on YouTube if you can stream.

I just ordered this one, you enabler you.

[blueskies]

Originally Posted by flowerpotcat

I'll be waiting for your details on a shortened version of BIU and KIU. I really like Slim in 6 but the more advanced workouts are just too long. Please share your routine when you're ready. TIA!

I absolutely will!

[Jeanne Marie]

Originally Posted by cherimac

A strong core does SO much for our bodies! It's not just about aesthetics. When I started a regular Pilates practice my low back and hip/QL tightness vanished.

This is exactly what I think! A strong core is so much more than aesthetics. It helps with so many aches and pains elsewhere when you have a strong core. You don't even realize they might be related, but strengthen your core and you'll realize that they are. Most especially lower back, like Cheri said. If you have lower back issues, chances are you have a weak core and are using your lower back when doing certain moves instead of engaging your core.

I work my abs and my core all the different ways I possibly can. There are so many strength moves that involve core, that it's almost impossible not to work it if you have a strength routine. I also do an ab specific routine pretty often just because it's included the bootcamp I attend.

[ronnee]

Originally Posted by Jeanne Marie

This is exactly what I think! A strong core is so much more than aesthetics. It helps with so many aches and pains elsewhere when you have a strong core. You don't even realize they might be related, but strengthen your core and you'll realize that they are. Most especially lower back, like Cheri said. If you have lower back issues, chances are you have a weak core and are using your lower back when doing certain moves instead of engaging your core.

Yes! A couple of years ago I hurt my back and had chronic lower back pain for a year. After one month of doing Chris Freytag's HIIT workouts which have lots of core work in them (planks, etc) my back pain was gone! I'm a believer.

Ronnee

[bfit]

There are plenty of good reasons to work your abs and core besides getting a six pack. I've heard that six pack abs are sort of "unnatural" anyway and the most important thing is to have a strong and flexible core. Since I've done more core work I have less back pain, fewer injuries overall, and I'm just stronger when lifting things, doing yard work, riding my bike, and so on.

[yogapam]

Originally Posted by suzannaerin

I just ordered this one, you enabler you.

Bwahaha! Hope you like it! It does use a Pilates ball, easy to find or sub a playground ball from the dollar store.

[eyefit]

It is essential to strengthen your core. I'm not just talking about doing crunches of course (which I rarely do), but like others have said it is probably one of the most important things you can do to ward off pain, muscle imbalance and disability. Check out this link- The real-world benefits of strengthening your core: http://www.health.harvard.edu/health...ning-your-core

More links:
https://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-...d-what-it-does
http://www.canyonranch.com/your-heal...-core-strength
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...s/art-20044751

Obviously I'm a big believer. I don't train my core for a 6 pack (I'll never get there with my diet ) but I do keep it relatively flat and strong despite the bit of fluff over the top. I literally cringe when I see people say they won't work the core at all for whatever reason .

[suzannaerin]

Originally Posted by yogapam

Bwahaha! Hope you like it! It does use a Pilates ball, easy to find or sub a playground ball from the dollar store.

You minx! No worries, I have both an SBF and a coreageous ball that will work.