Using an exercise ball for strength and fitness may be a relatively new concept, but it is not just another fitness fad. The ball has been used extensively in rehabilitation and physiotherapy for more than 30 years. It is now popular in gyms, for personal training and for home programmes. Sporting clubs and trainers recognize its value for injury prevention, sport-specific taining and improved athletic performance.

From the author of the national bestseller The Complete Book of Abs comes the definitive book on the Next Big Thing in fitness -- core training From the bestselling author of The Complete Book of Abs comes this comprehensive guide to a new movement in fitness: core training. The body's "core" refers to the muscles that comprise the center of your body: the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, butt, and hips. With the increasing popularity of yoga and Pilates -- both of which depend on strong core muscles -- the fitness community has turned its focus from the abs to the core. The Brungardt brothers simple 9-week program is based on over 100 exercises and includes workouts appropriate for beginners and fitness enthusiasts alike. This book will help men and women of all body types and fitness levels to strengthen their core for better mobility, posture, and physique. Get ready to get fit!

Tom Danielson’s Core Advantage offers a simple, highly effective core strength program for cyclists. This comprehensive approach shows the 50 essential core workout exercises that will build strength and endurance in the key core muscles for cycling--no gym membership required. Professional cyclist Tom Danielson used to have a bad back. He shifted in the saddle, never comfortable, often riding in pain. Hearing that core strength could help his back, he started doing crunches, which made matters worse. He turned to personal trainer Allison Westfahl for a new approach. Danielson and Westfahl developed all-new core exercises to build core strength specifically for cycling, curing Danielson’s back problems. Better yet, Danielson found that stronger core muscles boosted his pedaling efficiency and climbing power. Using Danielson’s core exercises, cyclists of all abilities will enjoy faster, pain-free riding. Cyclists will perform simple exercises using their own body weight to build strength in the low back, hips, abs, chest, and shoulders without adding unwanted bulk and without weights, machines, or a gym membership. Each Core Advantage exercise complements the motions of riding a bike so cyclists strengthen the right muscles that stabilize and support the body, improving efficiency and reducing the fatigue that can lead to overuse injuries and pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced training plans will help bike racers, century riders, and weekend warriors to build core strength throughout the season. Each plan features warm-up stretches and 15 core exercises grouped into workouts for injury resistance, better posture, improved stability and bike handling, endurance, and power. Westfahl explains the goal for each exercise, which Danielson models in clear photographs. Riding a bike takes more than leg strength. Now Tom Danielson’s Core Advantage lays out the core strengthening routines that enable longer, faster rides.

Stay young with effective, efficient core strength training that will enhance your spine’s stability and re-educate correct muscle activation patterns. From swinging a golf club to carrying a bag of groceries, the core is everything. Balance, agility and youthful stature are just a few of the benefits of a toned and powerful midsection. Core Strength for fifty+ has everything you need to: Improve posture Enhance sports performance Guarantee low back health Avoid injury With workouts ranging from basic mat work routines to unstable training with foam rollers and stability balls, Core Strength for 50+ provides more than 75 exercises that build and maintain strong muscles in the abs, obliques, lower back and butt.

Strengthen Your Core is the book for individuals who want a safe and effective core exercise program to improve posture, enhance performance, and strengthen from head to toe. Over one hour of video tutorials accompany Strengthen Your Core that explain the key concepts in core strengthening. Video content is available online at www.melioguide.com. The book covers the theory behind core strength and provides detailed descriptions of each of the Plank and Side Plank poses for all client levels-from beginners just starting to build core strength to advanced elite athletes wanting to gain that competitive edge. Core exercises are organized by level-Beginner, Active, Athletic, and Elite. Over 70 Plank and Side Plank poses are described (with photo illustrations).

Building good core strength is key to fitness, helping to improve mobility, correcting poor posture, and reducing the risk of injury. Featuring more than 150 exercises and a range of specially commissioned programs designed for a wide range of activities, sports, and goals, The Complete Core Strength offers everything you need to get the very best results from your workouts.

Like your house, your body needs a strong foundation to support it. In your body this foundation is made up of your core, a set of muscles and muscle groups that extend from the base of your spine to the area around your pelvis, including the muscles of your abdominal wall and back. Exercises that strengthen these muscles will foster stability and support for all activities you engage in-from carrying groceries to training for competitive sports. Solid to the Core offers a customizable, progressive program of exercises you can use to strengthen your core. As you blend these exercises into your own personal fitness program, you'll learn to overcome your personal weaknesses and muscle imbalances, reducing pain and risk of stress injuries in the process. In no time at all, you'll discover the power and efficiency that can come from having a strong and stable core. Customize your own personal exercise program to: Minimize your risk of injury Correct muscle imbalances Achieve better posture Relieve chronic muscle and joint pain Feel strong, energetic, powerful, and healthy