Why Should You Strengthen Your Core Muscles?
It may seem like core strength only applies to athletes like yourself. But as it turns out, developing a strong core is a great goal to aim for anyone who wants to get fitter and healthier. If you’re thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader or dancer in the future, we invite you to read this article, so you can appreciate the benefits of having stronger abs (beyond the six-pack). Plus, we’ll reveal three moves that you can start implementing as part of your fitness preparation.
The Benefits of a Strong Core
The fact is that strong abs can do so much more for you than improve your pro cheer appearance!
- Improves your flexibility: Core exercises can make it easier for you to move your body freely without difficulty — for example, bending down or standing for longer periods of time. Even when you’re not on the field, you’re still moving around at home or the office.
- Supports your running form: Another benefit of strengthening your core is improving your running workout. This is why runners perform core workouts such as bicycle crunches and planks. If you include running as part of your cardio exercises, then you’ll certainly benefit from core movements.
- Keeps you upright: In other words, a strong core leads to a better posture. This is because your core muscles are also connected to your back muscles to help keep your body balanced. Sitting and standing with good postural alignment makes you look and feel more confident in public, plus it increases your energy levels.
In contrast, a weak core has disadvantages, such as an increased risk of injuries and back pain. Below, you’ll find a list of exercises that increase your core strength.
Planks
The plank is a beginner-friendly workout that can also be modified to make it more challenging for experienced people. While it mainly engages the core, it also involves other muscles like your glutes, quads, and deltoid muscles.
Russian Twist
The Russian twist workout involves twisting your torso to one side. It’s especially beneficial for situations where you get knocked off balance or you’re carrying something on one side of your body. You can grab hold of a dumbbell or plate while you’re doing the workout or go equipment-free if you like.
Bicycle Crunches
This is perhaps one of the most popular ab workouts of all time. Crunches are great for targeting your upper ab muscles while also helping tone your thighs. Make sure to keep your abdomen contracted to keep your spine stable while performing the move.
You might want to check this out: The Best Exercises That Target Your Lower Abs
Final Thoughts
Focusing on strong abs can boost your function on and off the stage. Your abdominal muscles are responsible for supporting various movements, which is why building them protects you from unnecessary injuries and helps you live better. You don’t need to spend hours working on your abs each day. Even a 15-20 minute workout can go a long way!
Need a Great Workout Routine for Your Pro Cheer Audition Prep?
Pro cheerleaders stay fit, flexible, and strong so they can give out their best performance in the arena. However, achieving that wow-worthy, toned physique doesn’t happen overnight. You need to arm yourself with the right daily workouts.
Thinking of becoming a pro cheerleader?
We are offering you our fun, FREE (for a LIMITED time) POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS that teaches you beginner-friendly cardio moves.
To take your cheerleading fitness to the next level, we also have POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ - a series of challenging full-body cardio classes that include a body stretch class, kick stretch class, abdominal workout class, and more.
Join a POM FIT™ class below:
POM FIT™ INTRO CLASS (Free for a LIMITED time)
POM FIT™: GAMEDAY1™ (USD 27.00)
