I’ve been thinking about “core training” and how it has seemingly become the focus of most training programs nowadays. I find it odd that so much time and energy is being devoted to essentially one segment of training. There is definitely value in creating strength and balance in the abdominal and lumbar regions, but I’d like to suggest that there is a great deal more to be considered.

Let me begin with my basic concept of CORE. Your core is your foundation. Your foundation is indeed strength, but it is also confidence, energy and passion. Think of it more as your core philosophy!

By directing all of your energy on the strength segment, you leave large holes in your foundation.

Instead of training like a person possessed with the sole intent of strengthening your “core”, I recommend finding an activity that inspires you and challenges you to move. Something that excites you and invokes some passion.

The next step is to make sure that you make time to participate and enjoy it with your whole being. This means that you must eliminate distractions. Allow yourself to devote 100% of your energy and passion to your activity, and you will be amazed at the dividends.

Finally, make certain that you are choosing your activity based on honest feelings, and not to impress or appease anyone else.

It is my personal belief that if one focuses on their own CORE PHILOSOPHY, their midsections will take care of themselves!!!

I was on my afternoon walk with Holly (it's one of the most important things we do together) when we noticed a sign on the porch of an antiques store that read: "The best things in life aren't 'things."  Anyone who has ever given this some thought knows this.  So, the question becomes: what are the most important "things?" 

The short answer of course is always the same.  Family, health and friends, right?  Well, I have a different take on this.  Here are mine:

Work that is meaningful Making money and raising kids don't count.

Time Nothing in life can make up for quality time.

Truth Knowing and living in truth makes a life.  

In my experience, the folks who have these three as their priority seem to be the  most fulfilled.  All the other "things" follow.  When one doesn't have time, family suffers.  Work that is not meaningful and is simply a way to accumulate wealth is void of passion.   And finally, living in truth and with awareness is the path to a pure soul.  Every lie requires another to cover up the previous.

So, what does this have to do with fitness?  Everything.

MB