Strengthen Your Core through Medicine Balls
Over the past three decades football training has evolved from being exclusively focused on increasing strength and speed into today’s game centering more on speed and agility. In order to keep up with the competitive nature of today’s athletes it is crucial that you are doing all you can to enhance your capabilities in these areas. One critical area in your body that single handily could decrease your 40 and maximize your explosive power is centering much of your lifting in strengthening your “core”. The “core” of an athlete comprises your ABS, back, hips and butt. Increasing the strength and flexibly in those areas translate directly into your ability to be faster, quicker and more explosive.
A feature item at www.touchdownskills.com that has been critical in my development as a professional athlete has been the use of medicine balls. You can view and purchase a set of these by clicking on the following link http://www.touchdownskills.com/products/medicineballs.html.
Since I am a strong believer in medicine balls increasing the strength of your core I would like to share a simple workout that any athlete competing in any level could incorporate in your daily/weekly routine.
Workout – Medicine Ball Crunches – This will require an area of your gym or home that has a concrete or reinforced wall. First select a medicine ball that weighs nor more than 8 lbs. Next sit in front of your wall in a sit up position 5-6 feet away. Start by lying on your back flat on the ground with your hands behind your head holding the medicine ball. Begin coming up in a crunch position and at the height of your crunch throw the ball (over your head) against the wall. As soon as the ball bounces back to your hands begin the decent back to the floor. Repeat this 20-25 times. Do 2-3 sets. The main thing to focus is flexing your ABS each time you lift up and lay back down on the floor. If you have difficulty keeping your legs and feet on the ground, lighten the weight of the medicine ball.
If you wish to view more exercises on core enhancement or other workouts related to this subject click on the following link http://www.touchdownskills.com/products/medicineballs.html and enter your e-mail address. Enjoy!
