Get Fit with Jordan: want a six-pack? here is how you get one

So this week, I’m looking at all things core.  Gone are the days of working your ‘abs’ and only doing sit ups.  These days, there’s a huge focus on core training so you need to extend your mind beyond just your abdominals and that elusive six pack. The core is the centre of your body, it’s your powerhouse and this is where every move we do during exercise comes from. A strong core means a strong body and hopefully helps to reduce injury because strong core muscles will protect you during prolonged exercise or when putting your body under a large amount of stress during weightlifting.

Two of your six packs to focus on...

Along with core training and getting that great set of ‘abs’ that we all want is two things. The first one I mentioned earlier - crunches only strengthen the muscles of your core which may be hidden under those extra layers of body fat, so you need to combine your core training with some cardio or resistance work to burn calories. This will help you drop the body fat and get those abs popping.

The second thing is to think beyond just your abdominals. The core is made up of more than just your abdominals, it include your obliques, your glutes (that’s your butt!), your shoulders and also the ‘sling’ muscles which help hold the abdominals together. I know what you’re thinking…that’s ALOT of different muscles to work! The good news is that if you currently have a weight training plan that you follow then you probably work most of these other core muscles during your weight sessions.

Do not fear… there’s a simple, short, intense option available...

There are a few group fitness classes that will help you along the way as well. Les Mills Cxworx is an intense, challenging but achievable 30 minute core workout that helps you target all the muscles of your core. It’s a six track workout to some of the coolest songs around and just like the other Les Mills programmes, the workout changes every three months when a new release comes out.

Using a weight plate and a ‘tube’,  the 30 minute workout uses some revolutionary exercises to challenge your core to the max. Don’t get me wrong...there’s some interesting unusual moves in there too but hey who cares if it helps you get in shape right? The current release, number 19, uses moves like the ‘spider plank’ and a ‘standing oblique crunch’ to push you to the limit. There are plenty options to get you to the end of the workout so no matter what level you’re at, Cxworx has something to offer.

Runners tip…

How’s your training plan going in the countdown to the Great Scottish Run?  I’m hoping you’ve tried some HIIT to improve your fitness and added in some flexibility training to help protect your muscles and joints. Now it’s time to add in some core training. Try to work your core twice a week along with a cardio or resistance based workout to help you strengthen the centre of your body. This will help keep you safe and reduce your chance of injury. Remember your core is your powerhouse so if you’re aiming for a faster time, this is where it will come from. Your core is what powers you through your run. Chi running practitioners really focus on core strength. Start adding in a Les Mills Cxworx workout to your training plan now and you should see some serious results.

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