Core Exercises

Core exercises are very beneficial. Possibly the most beneficial for overall health.

See, the core is not just about your abs and having a six-pack. (You can have super strong abs and not have a six-pack, so don't worry.)

The core is about your abs, obliques, hip flexors, upper and lower back, and some other muscles you've probably never heard of.

Having a strong core helps you to do just about anything - walking around or lifting boxes becomes easier with a strong core.

If you're a cyclist, your core is the platform for your legs to pound the pedals. Your leg muscles will only carry you so far without a stable base to work against.

That said, let's look at some core exercises...

Workout Websites

Sites with more info on core conditioning

Here are some great websites that focus on fitness and training, with an emphasis on core conditioning.

Coach Levi, Cycling Coach: How could I resist? If you want more advice and product reviews from yours truly, then head on over here.
Body Weight Workouts: A photo blog of good core exercises, with instructions and full-color photos.

Beginner Core Exercises

Some good exercises to get you started.

There are a variety of core workouts out there, some easy and some that are quite challenging.

When I started, muscles that I didn't know I had got sore! Starting out slow is probably a good idea.

Get started with some of these:

Some good core exercises

Stability ball exercises

Advanced Core Exercises

How to progress to the next level when you're ready.

OK, enough with the basics?

Now it's time for advanced poses along and maybe advanced workout DVDs. If you're getting into this, I suggest getting some instructional DVDs or even taking some classes (although they're a lot more expensive than the DVDs.)

One program I love is the Cyclo-Core set from Graeme Street. It totally changed my fitness regimen. There are also some power yoga DVDs by Rodney Yee.

Take a look at the "workout reviews" section to get an idea of which workout is right for you.