52-Week Challenge: Week Forty-Two

This week's challenge is called 'Strengthen Your Core.' Do a minimum of 10 minutes of core exercises three days a week.

First things first:  what is your core?  Quite simply, it's the "trunk" of your body.  It's attached to your legs and arms and includes your abdominals and your lower-back muscles.

Your body relies on your core for every single move it makes.  It's vital to your ability to walk, stand, lift, and do just about anything you command your body to do.  Its what enables you to bend over without falling, as well as jump and land on both feet.  A strong core is essential to stabilize your body and keep it in balance.

There are literally hundreds of exercises that you can do to strengthen your core.  Here are just two basic ones to get you started:

1.  The Basic Crunch:  I think most people now how to do a basic crunch?  Yes?

2.  Bridge (or Plank):  Begin on your hands and knees.  Place your forearms on the floor so that your elbows are directly below your shoulders.  Straighten your legs behind you so that only the balls of your feet are in contact with the floor.  Keep your body in a straight line and hold for 30 to 60 seconds.

Good luck!