Why you should care about your core

This Week’s Top Stories from Harvard Health

Why you should care about your core Whether you refer to it as a spare tire, a muffin top, or love handles, having a roll of fat around your waist is pretty common. But even if you're not overweight, a bulging midriff may raise your risk of heart disease.

Get your copy of Gentle Core Exercises Gentle core exercises are specially designed for people who aren't up to tackling regular core exercises, perhaps because they are out of shape or possibly due to an injury or health problem. This Special Health Report, Gentle Core Exercises: Start toning your abs, building your back muscles, and reclaiming core fitness today, will show you how to build your core with workouts that are gentle and rewarding. You’ll be introduced to more than three dozen exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility and stability, improve balance, and tone your silhouette.

The smart way to start exercising Dr. Howard LeWine, chief medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing, recommends that men who haven't exercised in a while begin at the beginning. Just take a walk. Any kind of activity will aim you in the right direction and you can build from there.

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Gentle Core Exercises Featured content: • The importance of your core • Tailoring gentle core exercises to your abilities • Structuring your workout: Four commonly asked questions • Posture and alignment • Choosing which gentle core exercises to do •  ... and more! Click here to read more »