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the core - 2/10/2006 2:34:43 PM

too cold

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what exactly is the core? and how do i train it?

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RE: the core - 2/10/2006 3:35:12 PM

cpl

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Joined: 5/26/2003
From: New York City
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Your core is basically the center of your body- Just like the core of the earth is the center, and an apple core is at the center. We're talking about your abs and lower back mainly, and core strength is extremely important when it comes to any type of fitness. How you train it would depend on your goals- If you want strength and size, you need to train with heavy weights (Starting out light, of course.) using compound movements (Exercises that use many muscle groups) such as squats and deadlifts- Even though these exercises might seem to focus on the legs and back, believe me, they both do a real number on your abs too. I've gotten much better results in that area with those exercises than I ever got with tons of sit ups- And to me, squats and deadlifts are more fun too. Smile

Of course, if you're not looking to lift heavy, you can always do the same exercises with less weight and still enjoy a stronger core- If you can get a little more specific with what your goals are, we can get more specific with what you could be doing to train your core.

(in reply to too cold)

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RE: the core - 2/10/2006 6:04:47 PM

too cold

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Joined: 2/6/2006
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well, currently i'm trying to lose body fat to tone up and cut the muscle i already have (I weigh 180lbs currently and hoping to lose another 15lbs). But once i've reached that goal i'll be looking to bulk up slightly then keep a cut appearence. not sure if that makes sense. Basically, i dont want to get huge, just muscular and ripped.
i'm currently benching 155lbs 6 reps, curling 70lbs 6 reps (cheating on 6th) on a straight bar, and 325lbs 6 reps (could do more, but dont) on leg press. I have a bit of a belly, so i cant see my abs, but under the fat it is pretty hard. I dont do squats or deadlifts, but i will start if the core is in fact this important. Thank you very much and any more info on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

(in reply to cpl)

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RE: the core - 2/10/2006 6:14:04 PM

cpl

Posts: 5667
Joined: 5/26/2003
From: New York City
Status: offline

The core is extremely important. More than that, squats and deadlifts are by far the best exercises out there for overall strength, conditioning, or fitness period. Get into squats and deadlifts, and you'll notice the difference in a couple of months easy.
When it comes to toning the muscle, there really isn't any such thing- There's fat loss and muscle gain. "Toned" is simply when someone has some muscle to show off, and a low enough body fat percentage to actually see it. Same as being ripped- You have muscle, and a low body fat percentage. those are the keys to the elusive six pack, for example- And in my book, if you want a nice looking, fully functional six pack, squats and deads are a nice way to get it.
Of course, the workout is only one ingredient. the main key to lowering your body fat percentage to show off the muscle you have is through proper nutrition- Why not post something about how you eat in the nutrition forum for some more advice in that area?

(in reply to too cold)

Post #: 4

RE: the core - 2/12/2006 6:48:26 PM

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