Core Exercise Equipment

Core exercise equipment may be some of the most cost-effective items you can own. They can literally save you thousands of dollars. Here's why.

"The second most common reason for people to miss work is back pain. Also,each year billions of dollars are spent on medications and medical procedures to alleviate this pain at the core of our body. "

We now know that a large percentage of this back pain is muscular in nature and can be prevented by strengthening our core muscles. The exercises to accomplish this are simple and can be done in your own home in just a few minutes.

Core exercise equipment can be kept to a bare minimum without sacrificing results. You can have anywhere from a single exercise mat to several pieces of beneficial equipment. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your form is everything. You can have the best piece of equipment and use poor form and get little results.

What are some of the more common pieces of core exercise equipment?

Exercise mat
These are very inexpensive and helpful for the many core exercises performed on the floor. You can strengthen your core on the floor with these exercises:
√ push ups
√ front planks
√ side planks
√ abdominal crunches
√ bicycles

chest press on exercise ball for core exercise

Exercise ball
The exercise ball is also called a stability ball and it has been around since 1909. It was first used by Dr. Susanne Klein-Vogelback in Switzerland as a part of her physical therapy work with children.
The ball is a very versatile piece of equipment. It is superior in utilizing the neuromuscular system in a way that most other exercise equipment doesnft. Your strength, flexibility, and balance are all improved when you use the exercise ball.

These are just a few of the excellent core exercises you can accomplish with a ball:
√ dumbbell chest press (pictured above)
√ abdominal crunches
√ planks
√ push-ups
√ bridges
√ reverse leg curls
√ side-lying oblique curls

√ hyperextensionsradic; dumbbell squats (pictured below)

Bosu Balance Trainer

The name Bosu came from the acronym Both Sides Up. It is like an exercise ball that has been cut in half. The gcuth surface is then made into a rigid platform. Bosu exercises are multiuse pieces of core exercise equipment that can include all of your ball exercises and more.

When you place the dome side up, you have an unstable surface that is challenging to your neuromuscular system when trying to stand. The effort to remain stable greatly enhances your balance. This surface can also be used for lower back support during abdominal crunches.

The flat surface can be used for push-ups. Try these to see just how significantly you can increase the effectiveness of your workouts. If necessary, keep your knees on the floor when beginning.

Foam Roller

Donft let the simple design fool you. A foam roller is a great piece of core exercise equipment. They have become hot fitness items in homes and health clubs because of the tremendous benefits gained with their use. They come in various densities and lengths. Some are circular while others are half-circles. Foam rollers are easy to use and excellent for gaining strength, stability, and balance.

Foam roller exercises can also be used to release muscular tension and pain. Although they cost less than a single massage, you will be surprised at the results from this simple and inexpensive piece of foam. You will not only get rid of stress in your muscles but you will gain flexibility that helps prevent future injury.

Water Bottle

Donft forget to drink plenty of water during your core exercises. Be sure to drink water before, during, and after your workout. Many people get tired quickly while exercising and stop their workout early. All they need is water.

When you exercise you sweat and breathe off a significant amount of fluid. This fluid loss results in less blood volume which makes you feel tired. Research has shown that people who drink water are able to exercise longer. So donft forget to drink good, pure water while working out at home or in the health club.

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