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To stick with your commitment to core workouts, you might want to consider making an exercise plan. You’ll be more likely to start exercis- ing, keep exercising, and reach your goals. SET SOME GOALS Before you even start working out, you may want to think about your goals. What do you hope to accomplish by working out your core? Some goals you might consider could build on the benefits of core workouts covered in chapter 2. Maybe you want to be a better athlete. Think about how a stronger core will help you at your chosen sport. Core workouts can make you a more powerful batter in baseball and hit more powerful swings and serves in tennis. You’ll have longer stamina when swimming, running, and playing soccer. You can improve your performance in pretty much any sport through core workouts. Or maybe you want to lose some weight. If you’re looking to lose weight through core workouts, you should definitely talk to your doctor to make sure you need to lose weight and you’re doing it in a healthy way. Core workouts may not help you lose a lot of weight, but they’re great combined with aerobic exercises like running or swimming. Another goal you could decide on is simply overall daily health. If you find yourself having a hard time getting through your day, a core workout might make your life easier. They are great for people who have a hard time climbing lots of stairs, taking long walks, or doing activities that involve bending over, like gardening. Core workouts focus on essential muscle groups that affect the other muscles in your body and help you with everyday activities. No matter what goal you choose, write it down somewhere so you’ll remember. Then after you start exercising, you can refer back to your goal when you’re getting frustrated or want to give up. You’re more likely to stick with it when you think back to why you’re working out in the first place.

Making a Plan to Strengthen Your Core

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