Strong Core:
“The turning point in the process of growing up is when you discover the core of the strength within you that survives all hurt.” Max Lerner
Core is defined as the central or innermost part of anything.
For me, I look at this as 3 parts of the total body.
- It is your torso. Functional movement is highly dependent on this part and lack of core muscular development can result in a predisposition to injury.
- It is what drives your inner being. You getting up to conquer the world or moping around waiting for some miracle to do it for you is a choice. Your will to do your best in life. Your competitive nature and how you react to a win or a loss.
- It is your personality. Are you the same in every social setting or do you change to please others? Your core personality is not going to change – it is hard wired. When you create a personality (that voice in your head), your brain goes on overload. This is where you become undecided about your wants and where your priorities really lie in life.
“You have to set yourself goals so you can push yourself harder. Desire is the key to success.” Usain Bolt
TORSO:
Let’s go back to what most of us think about when we say “core”, your torso. I teach a 15-minute abdominal class 3 day a week. We focus strictly on strengthening our abs, back and oblique area. Why? It will help bring more balance to your body. It will lessen the likeliness of injuries. It protects your inner organs. Believe it or not, any back pain could be associated to a weak core. It will improve your posture and with this, you begin carrying yourself with a little more confidence. You will just simply feel better. Here are a few ideas to just to get you started. If you think of sit-ups when you think of abs, you shouldn’t. You should possibly start with a plank for seconds at a time and build up your time accordingly. Crunches are also a start to a full sit-up. Bridging your pelvic area is also good. Pace yourself.
DRIVE:
As my husband and I drove away from the soccer field with our 9-year-old son, he asked, “why do you think some kids are driven and others are not?” My response was, “you either have it or you don’t.” I truly believe this. I look at my twins and think my word, they are night and day. I gave birth to these two on the exact same day, I minute apart, and they are completely opposite. Manny, as we call him, loves soccer, loves it, and could be really good (he is good, I just expect more). I must remind myself he is not me in this area. As I’m watching, I’m the mom that is like play harder, be aggressive, push, push, push, more, more, more… YIKES. That is just not his personality, it’s mine. He is a team player and he loves the game. To him, that is his best. And that’s ok. Then there is Elli, she received the driven blood. There is not much that can stop her when she sets her mind to it. She struggles, she fails, and she gets back up fighting. That’s more like me, so I respond to her differently. As parents, we love each the same and are equally as proud. We continue to guide them equally as hard to be their best self. Not giving your all, is unacceptable in this house.
PERSONALITY:
The core of you and your inner being is your personality. Were you given every opportunity or did you work for it? Did you struggle or allow someone to enable you? Do you pride yourself on your journey or is the path behind you beautifully paved? This core is what has made you – you! Are you proud of how you achieved your success? Are you entuned with the battle that has made you who are? Do you have a story that inspires others?
I have added this clip that I found to be pretty top notch STRONG. I think it kind of makes everyone that watches put themselves in it. Would you race for $100? Where do you line up?
The reality is some people have been given a head start. The reality also is, it doesn’t mean you can’t catch up. No excuses! Run your race!
Search your core: your body, your mind, your being and find your fight harder, stand taller and not accept defeat.
Align your core – STRONG
Mitzi
