I think it’s safe to say that I am like most people when it comes to core workouts…I rarely do them. I guess that was pretty presumptuous of me but every time I tell someone that I need to do more core work they say “Ugh, me too!” I research core workouts, I talk about them and I go as far as to recommend them. But do I do them? Welllll…no comment.  

It is time to buckle down and work on that core of mine. I got this! After my back strain that had be laid up for a week and out of my running shoes for 3 weeks I decided I needed to see an orthopedic doctor. I was lucky enough to see one of the best ortho surgeons who specializes in spine surgery AND he listened to my concerns, making relevant recommendations. (Unlike the Dr. I saw for hair loss and feeling tired who told me to take Biotin…okay, decrease caffeine and exercise more…wait, what?. Never once asking what my daily routine looked like. Eye roll!) We chatted about my running goals…he’s a long distance runner too so I didn’t hear any nonsense about ruining my body with running, but he did say I should reconsider marathons after I run Boston.

Findings

He found what looks like compressed discs in my lower spine and was concerned about bone density. He had me get  a dexa-scan and wants me to go to physical therapy. As for Boston being my last marathon, I’m okay with that. I’ll continue with halfs, 5 & 10 k’s and trail runs.

The doctor also told me it’s a must to work on my core. Yeah, yeah I know that. We all know that. I’m a nurse, so I actually tell people that. Once again it’s time to practice what I preach. Don’t misunderstand me, I do planks and go to Pilates (not a lot since hurting my back) but I need to get serious and be consistent. 

I may have mentioned that I have scoliosis but it’s never been a factor in any of my fitness activities or otherwise. Having said that I don’t want it to become a problem later. That’s where the strong core comes in. A strong core not only helps with balance, easing back pain and improving posture but hopefully will keep my spinal curvature from getting worse. It can’t hurt. 

So now what?

I signed up for Yoga Burn Trim Core Challenge  that’s what. It’s a 15 minute core workout done 3 times a week for 8 weeks.  I can stream it to my TV or laptop and do it at home. I generally have better success when I go to a class with other people but I figured since it’s just 15 minutes and a specific program to be followed then I will stick to it. I need to have a schedule, I can’t do things all willy nilly.

I’ve done the first 15 minute workout…easy-peasy…until the next day when my butt and inner thighs were sore. Not too sore but enough to put my core challenge on hold until after my half this weekend. I don’t want a sore butt impeding my race. (As if that’s the only thing that could possibly impede my race.) Official start day will be this coming Monday. I’ll post an update in a few weeks.

 Do you do core workouts regularly? Do you dread them or look forward to them?

Thank for reading!

                      Denise