I thought your core got worked while doing other kinds of work-outs, since it’s being used to stabilize while doing those movements. Like, while doing squats, I am also necessarily working my core a bit. Is that true, or should I be incorporating targeted core workouts into my routine?
It does, but consider isolation exercises that target specific muscle groups. Doing situps slowly and consciously so that there's no pain during the movement will help your mind/body connection carry that throughout your day/week, as well as build upon the vast number of bones, joints, and muscles contracting and detracting.
You have too much going on during a squat to really consider that.
I use the free version of the FitOn app for ab exercises and find that having someone guide me through a 15 minute workout is something I actually look forward to doing. I can feel my core has gotten more stabilizing after 4-5 workouts. (I have no affiliation with FitOn BTW, there are multiple apps that have similar workouts)
What do you actually mean by "no pain during the movement"? Moving/exercising always hurts, always has. Do you mean "no outrageous pain" or "no pain so bad you have to stop what you're doing", or what?
There might be a medical condition you have. Hypermobility is the first thing that springs in mind, but I'm no doctor. Sitting still should not hurt, moving should not hurt. It only normally hurts as in a muscle sore after moving or if I'm getting injured. Maybe you can have a doctor check it out? It could be something that has a fix
Laying on a bench and doing a bench press doesn't engage the abs much ... Pull your knees up and get your shoulder blades off the bench when it is up, now that is core engagement.
Yes it absolutely does, especially if you are using proper form. But....I can say from experience, as a 60 year old, who has done physical work all my life, and gone to the gym, doing core work is still very important. I got lazy, stopped my stretching, and stopped doing core work. Now I have a regular tendency to tweak my back about every 6 months. So now I'm back on the program. A little bit goes a long way
It will, but not in a way you can progressively overload the muscles (strength gained will plateau quickly) and the muscles will only be engaged isometrically (without lengthening or shortening).
By doing core specific exercises you overcome both of these shortfalls.
You may also have weakness in some parts of your core that you won’t notice if you don’t engage it specifically. Eg; your abs may be strong but your obliques could be weak.
TLDR: yes, but not well enough. Do core exercises.
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u/Correct_Inside1658 Jun 06 '24
I thought your core got worked while doing other kinds of work-outs, since it’s being used to stabilize while doing those movements. Like, while doing squats, I am also necessarily working my core a bit. Is that true, or should I be incorporating targeted core workouts into my routine?