Enhancing Core Strength with Alternative Exercises
Intense workouts at the gym are not always necessary. In this month’s episode of Trainer of the Month Club, Bridget O’Carroll, the founder of Studio Qila, a digital fitness studio owned by Native Americans, showcases a core exercise routine that diverges from the popular planks. This routine emphasizes slow and controlled movements to engage stabilizer muscles effectively. According to O’Carroll, this approach activates the entire core, unlike traditional exercises like planks or crunches, which primarily target the front abdominal muscles.
The human body comprises two types of muscle fibers: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. Slow-twitch muscles, essential for endurance, are smaller and require focused attention to develop. In contrast, fast-twitch muscles come into play during rapid, forceful movements. The core workout highlighted here prioritizes the activation of slow-twitch muscle fibers, promoting endurance, strength, and stability.
Engaging in this type of exercise may initially feel challenging and unfamiliar, potentially leading to muscle tremors. O’Carroll advises embracing these sensations and encourages conscious breathing throughout the workout. She emphasizes the importance of modifying exercises if discomfort or pain arises, emphasizing Studio Qila’s commitment to prioritizing proper form over ego and adapting movements to suit individual needs.
Ready to enhance your core strength and endurance? Watch the video above to follow the complete core workout routine without planks.
