Practice These 3 Killer Core Exercises (Plus the Songs That Will Get You Psyched to Do Them!)

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Even if you’re the one to request “core exercises” in a yoga class, you probably do so begrudgingly and with a sigh. It’s never not going to be difficult.

But damn, we need it so badly! We’ll endure it even if we don’t feel exceedingly enthusiastic about it because we know that core strengthening is invaluable to the health and functioning of our bodies.

Luckily for us, we’ve discovered one of the most powerful motivators there is. And that is music! We’ve learned to use good workout songs to inspire us to get downright electrified to take on all kinds of difficult sh*t. It’s time-tested and we have the life experience to tell us that it works.

Think back in your life to the workout songs that became your anthems. Your “I can and will bring it” songs.

If you’re still doubtful about music’s magical ability to help you commit and even enjoy core exercises, there’s only one way to find out if this is even remotely possible . . .

Blast the tunes and practice this killer 20-Minute Vinyasa Yoga Class for Core Strength (Free Class)

Why Bother With Core Exercises?

Your core muscles are comprised of all the abdominal muscles that surround your belly and your back. Core exercises are of considerable importance since your core musculature protects and stabilizes your spine.

If you’ve ever experienced any lower back pain, you know you’ll do pretty much anything to avoid inviting that again. Approach core strengthening from a place of value assessment. It’s immeasurably worth the investment. The payoff is guaranteed.

Core strengthening is a potent ingredient in protecting ourselves. See, you’re already getting giddy at the prospect of having some control over preventable pain!

There’s a whole hell of a lot going on in what is known collectively as “the core.” This includes:

Obliques (of which there are internal and external)
Transverse abdominis
Rectus abdominis (the six-pack muscles)
Erector spinae
Quadratus lumborum

Whew! They all have separate functions but also the shared responsibility of the stabilization and movement of the spine.

Are you convinced yet of how important it is for us to regularly include core exercises in our day? Good, now let’s move on to the fun and killer core strengthening poses you’re now bubbling over with anticipation to practice.

Avoid Back Pain! Practice These 5 Yoga Poses For a Strong and Healthy Spine

Practice These 4 Core Exercises (With the Workout Songs That Will Help You Rock Them!):

Let’s build a roaring fire within. This incendiary core strengthening sequence will have you feeling like a warrior goddess who could take down even the most sinister of foes if provoked.

Commit to doing this sequence twice a day for the next week. It promises that elusive feeling of “I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to” . . . pinky swear! But don’t trust me. Just do it and experience it for yourself.

1. Warm-Up

Let’s try it:

Warm up first doing several Sun Salutations or whatever creative sequence you adore to increase your body temperature and get everything involved in the process of approaching core strengthening moves with determination and grit

2. Forearm Plank Leg Lifts

Let’s try it:

On an inhale, lift your left toes about one inch from the ground (Pro Tip: think haircut. Is the amount your lifting your toes what you’d be okay with if you asked for a one-inch haircut? Probably not. The lower your toes are to the ground while not touching, the more strengthening the action)
Repeat on the other side
Aim for five lifts with each foot

The workout song that will keep you committed: Try Motivation by Clams Casino. It’s rhythmic, enchanting, and will help you keep your breath pattern moving effectively.

3. Twisted Boat Pose

Let’s try it:

Come into a normal Boat Pose
Take your palms together and twist to the left
Stay twisted and lower your heels and shoulders toward the ground but hover them – don’t let them touch the ground
Repeat on the other side

The workout song that will keep you committed: Practice this to dark HORSE by The Shanghai Restoration Project. I promise you may even feel the desire to do this more times than you originally believed you could.

4. Star Pose on the Ground

Let’s try it:

Start with all of your limbs passively on the floor
Spread your arms and legs out in a V-shape
With an inhale, lift your arms and legs off the ground
Commit to your bandhas and breath
Go back and forth between lying on the ground fully and lifting with your inhales

The workout song that will keep you committed: Practice this simple sequence to the effervescent and infectious Scythian Empires by Andrew Bird.

Workout Songs Will Undoubtedly Help You Rock Your Core Exercises

Core strengthening yoga poses will provide you with so much more than a rock-solid core. Core exercises also offer us endless perseverance, determination, and discipline – all qualities that enhance our lives in innumerable ways.

So, go blast your favorite workout songs and practice!