Getting to the Core of the Matter

Core this, core that. It's all about core strength they say, especially for the swim and the run. I bought the book, I have the ball. And there they sit - and have sat. As part of my exploration of the new gym at Lifetime, I took a core strength class.

I went with my coworker Amy-she did the elliptical beforehand and I eeked in a 600m swim. I sprinted through a clothing change and suddenly had a flashback to the pool at W-L with Jess and JoMarie and how sports bras do not like to go on wet bodies, nor do yoga capris. I actually said out loud, "Jess, hep me!" (This was part of my job for her as workout buddy) Sadly there was no one to assist... so after some jumping, groping, grimacing, and giggling, I was changed and on my way.

The class itself was a mix of floor work, work on the ball, work on the bosu (half ball on platform), and medicine ball. It was really fantastic, and a great workout in only :30. I had to laugh at one point though. I quickly spotted the other triathlete in the room - the only one with water next to him, shaved legs, and a race tee shirt. At one point the instructor's mic went out and she muttered something and walked to the back to get a new one. Everyone kinda stopped and said "did she say stop?" I shrugged my shoulders and kept doing my side to side with the medicine ball. Only one other person in the room did the same - the other triathlete.

Let me say this much. If I do this once a week, I am convinced it will fundamentally change my performance. Mostly, it will make me stronger and give more power to my swim rotation and to my run. But there's another angle. Most of my historical issues with my legs (IT band season one, ankle and shin season 2, on and off shin since then) is due to my hips being slightly akimbo. This is generally corrected with chiropractic, which is fine. But the day after (and the day after that) the class, I was more sore on my left side which made me think. Hm. If I can improve my core strength and KEEP my hips well aligned...you got it. I am set up for success and less issues with my lower legs.