How To Build A Strong Core

How many of y'all remember seeing commercials for Hip Hop Abs, or maybe you remember Shaun T, the attractive and shirtless celebrity fitness pro who led it? Hip Hop Abs was a fun at-home 30-minute workout video to strengthen your abdominals while having fun doing it! It definitely became a part of my fitness routine.

As we wrap up the celebration of Black History Month, I thought I'd share 3 tips to help you get a head start on building a strong core! Remember strengthening your abs helps you maintain good posture, prevent injuries, alleviate lower back pain, and improve your athletic performance.

1. Food Consumption is Key

Focus on lean proteins such as lamb, chicken, tuna, cottage cheese, almonds, pumpkin seeds; load up on vegetables and fruits which are rich in fiber and nutrients; watch portion sizes to avoid overeating and stay hydrated!

2. Get Your Heart Rate Up

Cardio can help you achieve a low body fat percentage, which is key especially if you want a visible 6-pack! Of course, some types of cardio are better than others for building abs. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), which incorporates short bursts of intense activity, is better than going for a long run at a steady pace. That's because HIIT keeps your heart rate up, promotes fat burning, and boosts your metabolism.

3. You Have to Build Your Core

Core exercises strengthen and tone the underlying abdominal, back, and gluteal muscles. Also, core and other strength training exercises boost your metabolism, so you burn more calories even while at rest.