How to Get a Stronger Core and #P&Geveryday
If you follow my blog, you know that I’m as into fitness as I’m into food. I’ve been wanting to write some posts focusing on fitness for some time but haven’t gotten around to it — until now. 🙂 Today I’m deviating from food to share an article that I came across on P&Geveryday titled Why You Need to Exercise Your Core. This article resonated with me so much because after having two boys within two years weighing 9 lbs. each, I know what it’s like to have a weakened core and what an impact it has on every day life. If you’ve had children, you know what I’m talking about — after 9 months of pregnancy, and years afterward toting infants, toddlers, car seats, and 10-20 lb. diaper bags everywhere, back pain is imminent. I went to the gym and maintained my weight doing cardio and some weight training, but I just didn’t focus on strengthening my core enough. My back hurt most of the time, whether I was standing in the kitchen cooking or even sitting on the couch.
Aside from my back pain, I also suffered from bad posture. It’s not easy standing and sitting up straight! It requires work, especially when you sit at a computer the majority of the day, which causes us to hunch over. Before I became a stay-at-home mom, I had a desk job, and now I’m in front of a computer a lot since, yeah, I’m a food blogger. 🙂 Let’s face it — it’s far too easy to get slouchy.
The past 4-5 years I’ve really put the work in, either through classes or on my own, doing exercises like the ones outlined in the article on P&Geveryday — Planks, Russian Twists, Bicycle Crunches, and the Superman Exercise. I’ve got a stronger core now than I ever have, my posture has improved dramatically, and while I do still experience some back pain, it’s only when I’m not standing up straight or using my core muscles when I should be. I remind myself constantly to keep my shoulders back and my core tight throughout the day, because life is so much better standing strong and tall. And less back pain — that’s a huge bonus. 🙂 I hope you check out the article to see how doing these 4 exercises for just minutes every day can get you that stronger core. There’s also an entire Convenient Workout section on P&Geveryday with articles just like this.
Aside from this article, I found so much more on P&Geveryday that inspired me. Of course there was lots of food, and if you do your core strengthening exercises, you’ll have a lot less guilt when you enjoy it. See how that works? 🙂
Corn dogs have been one of my childhood favorites, and they remind me of trips to the boardwalk with my family every summer. These Homemade Corn Dogs are oven-baked, and does that ever make me happy. There is an option to fry them, too, if you’re so inclined. I think these just made their way onto my must-make list. 🙂
I haven’t made ribs at home much, but these Baby Back Ribs 3-ways are going to change that. Grilled ribs smothered in barbecue sauce are going to happen this summer!
P&Geveryday isn’t just about workouts and recipes, it aims to inspire you through ideas, advice, and products that make your life easier every day. You’ll find content and resources on beauty, family, healthy, home, and more. Here are just some of the things you’ll discover on P&Geveryday:
- Beauty trends
- New products to try out for yourself, family, and home
- Product ratings and reviews
- Fresh ideas and inspiration
- Coupons and samples from your trusted brands
- And much, much more!
I got lost checking out all of the great content on P&Geveryday, and I hope you visit the site as well as the P&Geveryday Facebook Page — you’ll be guaranteed to find plenty that inspires you as well!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
It is amazing how much core work can help with your posture, especially when you are sitting at a computer all day. I reguarly attend both Pilates and barre classes and they work wonders. Great post, Marcie!
Pilates and Barre are both such great core workouts, Ashley! I need to change it up and do those more because I’m really lacking in the flexibility department. Haha. Thanks for the comment, and have a great 4th of July week!
Having a strong core is so important. I also have had some lower back issues in the past, but thanks to running and core workouts the pain is more minimal and occurs far less often. Great article!
I took up running back when I started focusing on my core and they were both just what I needed! Glad you enjoyed the article, and thanks for commenting, Danae!:)
Core work is so important. Not only does it help your posture it really helps prevent back injuries. Great post!
It really has helped my back and has been the best thing I’ve done for myself! Thanks, Cindy! 🙂
This is a good reminder. I run and do the rowing machine, but not much else. (I am tired after I run!! ha!) But I really should switch up my routine.
I’m always tired after I run, too, Annie! Because of that, I alternate cardio one day, strength training the next. It definitely works for me much better than trying to do everything at one shot. haha Hope you’re having a great day!
I had lower back pain for years. Now if I get any pain it tends to be in my upper back/neck area. That’s where I carry all my tension and stress 🙁
I got in the habit of going to a yoga class twice a week last year and I really need to get back into it. It did wonders for my body and mood.
Those ribs and corn dogs look magnificent. Will have to check out the website!
I get pain in my upper back and neck area, too — I really tighten up there! There is some yoga incorporated into the TRX classes I take, but it’s not enough. I need to do more yoga and stretching, too! Thanks, Christin, and have a great 4th!
Thanks for the writeup on strengthening your core. We forget sometimes how important our posture is throughout the day. BTW, I live for corn dogs! I can do my planks and eat those after!
I love it…planks then corn dogs! We exercise so we can eat right? 🙂