Core training?

[knapplaura]

How much / how often do you do core work?

I know I need to, but just struggle to fit it in. Looking for some good ideas here. I am training for a long-distance triathlon and so I train about 2-3 hours during the week and more on weekends.

thanks,
Laura

[tulip]

I do pilates 3-4 times a week (class 1x + at home), yoga 2 times per week. Helps with my back and riding comfort because I can support myself with my core better.

[Zen]

What's your current 3-4 hours consist of?
Running and cycling only?

[Wahine]

Laura, I try to encorporate my core workouts with my other workouts. Eg I'll do push-ups with my feet on the ball when I do my strength training and I'll add a little knee tuck on the up part of the push-up and I do pull ups with a rope instead of lat pulldowns, I'll do 8 x 50 butterfly kick with fins when I go to the pool. If I try to make core a separate workout, it never happens. So I sneak it in with the other stuff. I try to work in 5 to 10 min of core 4 to 5 days a week.

[Zen]

My problem is working my other workouts into my core work out (back problem)
Actually its not a problem at all.

Take a look at these sites
http://exercise.about.com/cs/abs/l/bl_core.htm?nl=1
and
http://us.f317.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Sho...ox=@S@Search&&

[OakLeaf]

I do pull ups with a rope

I'm in utter awe.

[knapplaura]

Thanks for the ideas, I think sneaking it into other stuff may be the best way to go, since 'dedicating separate time' only worked when I had Pilates classes near my house in AZ.

Here in Montgomery, Alabama, which some people may confuse for a big city, there are even less options (appealing ones, that is) than in a tiny town in AZ. Hmmm.

thanks
Laura

[Wahine]

I'm in utter awe.

Don't be. I can only do 2 at a time then I put my feet on a big gym ball and do more reps self assist. The cool thing about that is that I get to do more pull-ups and the gym ball really works your core as you try to keep the ball lined up the right way.

[Veronica]

Eg I'll do push-ups with my feet on the ball when I do my strength training and I'll add a little knee tuck on the up part of the push-up...

I'm trying to picture when you say the knee tuck, 'cause this is how I do my push ups too.

V.

[Wahine]

I'm trying to picture when you say the knee tuck, 'cause this is how I do my push ups too.

V.

Best done with your feet on the ball and hands on a surface at about the same height as the ball. As you puh-up, roll the ball towards your hands by bringing your knees towards your belly/chest. Your bum will come up a bit, try to keep your shins parallel to the floor. Phew, I'm tired describing it.

I'll also second crossfit. Awesome workouts, encorporating core with your strengthening exercises. Each workout is meant to be done in 20 min. If you want to go so hard that you puke that is.