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Stronger Where it Matters Most
Three things you don't know about your core.
1. You can strengthen your core without moving a muscle.
Whereas most muscles propel you, your core resists movement--for instance, to protect your spine when you twist your torso. So don't be surprised by how hard it is to stay still in this core workout. You're conditioning your core to do its job more effectively.
2. Slouching sabotages your six-pack
Training your core helps correct poor posture. But an hour a week of core work can't compensate for the 50 hours spent slumped over your keyboard. The fix: Stay tall through your hips and keep your head up and shoulder blades back and down all day long.
3. Core muscles contract first in every exercise.
All the energy you exert originates in your torso, before being transferred to your arms and legs. So a weak core reduces the amount of force you're able to apply to a barbell. When you hit a plateau in presses, squats, or any other strength move, ask your-self if you're training your core as hard as you can.
Every muscle relies on your abs, hips, and lower back, a.k.a. your core. It's your base--and your center of attraction. Here's everything you need to sculpt a rock-solid midsection.
*Mouse over the image for caption.
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Men's Health www.menshealth.com is the largest men's lifestyle magazine brand in the world with 43 editions worldwide. Published 10 times a year in the U.S. by Rodale, Men's Health is the best-selling men's magazine on newsstands, each month providing its 12.5 million readers with the latest information on all aspects of a guy's life including health, fitness, fashion, nutrition, relationships, travel, technology and finance.
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