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Health Information and Tools > Healthy Living >  Fitness: Increasing Your Core Stability

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Fitness: Increasing Your Core Stability

Fitness: Increasing Your Core Stability (00:02:03)
Video Transcript

When it comes to having a healthy and strong body, it's important to have a strong core.

The core of your body is right in the center of the action.

It has all sorts of bones, muscles, and other parts that work together.

When your core is strong, it can support your body as you move, and give you that healthy feeling that comes from good posture. Having a strong core can also mean more strength, confidence, and balance. And it can help prevent injury or back pain.

But if your core is weak, you may be more likely to lose your balance or hurt yourself more easily. So here are two simple exercises you can do regularly to keep your core strong and healthy. The first is called "Pulling Your Belly In."

You can do it pretty much anywhere... while you're sitting at your desk, driving, or even standing in line.

Here's how it works... Begin by pulling in your belly.

Imagine pulling your belly button back toward your spine.

Keep your back straight and don't bend forward. Hold for about 6 seconds, and remember to keep breathing normally. When you're done, rest for up to 10 seconds and then repeat the exercise 8 to 12 times. The second exercise is called "The Bridge."

Begin by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.

Keep your spine straight and pull your belly button back toward your spine.

Then push up with your feet and raise your buttocks off the floor a few inches.

Hold for about 6 seconds, and remember to keep breathing normally.

When you're done, slowly lower yourself down to the floor and rest for up to 10 seconds.

You can repeat this exercise 8 to 12 times. These exercises can help keep your core strong.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. Image is used for illustrative purposes only and any person depicted is a model.