At the core of the matter

Dec 12 2009 by David Fairlamb

Exercise expert David Fairlamb shows you how to keep fit for the festive season.

THIS week’s exercises, which you can view in our video section, are for your core (click here to view videos).

The core is the engine room for your body, if the mid section stays strong and balanced it will help maximise increases in, power, speed, strength and agility, especially in your legs, hips and arms.

A well-functioning core also helps protect your back and gives you better balance with day-to-day activities.

Here are this week’s training options. Remember they are a guideline and can be adapted to go within your own training programme or you can simply pick certain sessions or exercises to do. Every individual is different with their own goals and ideas of what they want to achieve.

Always make sure you warm up before each workout and cool down and stretch after.

Longer Workout, 45 to 50 minutes.

Aim to complete the same resistance workout as last week, which included hills if you were training outside or added resistance on cardiovascular equipment in the gym.

This week add up to 50 squats and 50 lunges to finish. It’s down to you what format you do. Remember it’s up to 50, so do what you can!

Interval Workout, 30 to 40 minutes.