Skills & Drills – Successfully Using Core Strength

“Core Strength” is a phrase you have most likely heard often if you stay current with popular fitness trends. It refers to the strength in your stomach and back muscles, and their ability to maintain the stability and balance in your body.

Core strength is important for both cheerleaders and dancers. By strengthening your core, you can improve your balance, establish a strong center, prevent back pain, and become a more successful dancer. Check out these tips to help you successfully engage your core strength and improve your dance skills.

5 Tips for Successfully Using Your Core Strength

Find your core structure: belly button to spine rib-cage down pelvis zipped up tailbone lengthened

Engage your abdomen muscles: tighten upper abdominals lift lower abdominals

Find correct body alignment both vertically (standing) & horizontally (laying down): head and neck in line with shoulders, pelvis and feet.

Horizontally — Practice abdomen conditioning using crunches, sit ups & yoga/Pilates-based exercises to strengthen your core

Vertically — Practice balancing in on your toes to test your core strength & consistency!