I was looking in a few old issues of Yoga journal this week. On Tuesday the YW in our ward asked me to teach them a few yoga moves, I think I already told you that. So anyway, I was looking in some old issues and I happened upon this article in the May 2011 issue. It does a really good job of explaining "the core" to you, it gives some good advice and explains some commonly misunderstood things, and it shows you exercises. Here is a little sample:
It's almost summer—and chances are good that people all over America want to tone up their tummies, and they're adding crunches to their routines to do it. But sit-ups alone won't make a potbelly disappear. In fact, they just might have the reverse effect!
To achieve a toned and healthy midsection, you need to work with a number of muscles that are commonly called the "core." Your core includes more than just abdominal muscles. Most exercises that target your abdominals can actually tighten the muscles around your tummy in such a way that they prevent abdominal tone and, if done without proper awareness, can push your belly out and even hurt your back.
It's often the psoas that will cause you to lose the battle of the bulge. A key muscle at the very center of your core, the psoas is all too often overworked in ab exercises. You'll benefit most from your core work if you learn the actions that not only tone your tummy, but also tame a tight psoas.
Go check it out, we all want flat"ter" tummies, and even more important to keep our spines healthy and strong!
this is the kind of stuff i need to learn more about. not just because i want a flat tummy - i don't think i'll ever have that. maybe flatter... but not flat. but i do know i need to strengthen my core to help my back. i'll be reading the article and asking questions about my psoriasis shortly :)
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