I started working out because I knew things had to change. I lived with debilitating back pain, a weak immune system, and very (VERY) low confidence.

 

The focus of my workouts wasn't about my thighs (though, at the time, I had ripped quite a few pairs of jeans trying to stretch them out), my stomach (which had just undergone some serious changes), or my weak arms.

 

It was just about me. Getting better, being happier, and living healthier.

 

Every time I showed up for a workout that's all it was - it was just about me. And with every minute spent focusing on just that, on just me - was another spark in my core.

 

And I found my sense of belonging ... I found who I was.

 

It stitched self-worth and self-confidence into the fibers of my being.

 

I found peace, balance, self-confidence, happiness, and an energy I'd never known right there (literally and figuratively) in my very core.

I've spent the last decade learning, practicing, and being a personal trainer and the one thing I know for certain is that peace, balance, self-confidence, happiness, and an energy you've never known is right there in your very core.

 

All of your workouts and goals should focus on just that - you and your core.

 

When we think of our core - we think of abs - and we think of crunches. Remember that song we learned in kindergarten - head, shoulder, knees, and toes (knees and toes) ... IT'S ALL CONNECTED.

 

Your core is actually made up of major muscles included are the pelvic floor muscles (hello), transversus abdominis (wayyyy deep inside there), multifidus (muscles the run on each side of the spine), internal and external obliques (the sides of your abs), rectus abdominis (the six pack guys), erector spinae (think obliques for your back - they help turn and rotate your body), latissimus dorsi (muscles in your mid back), gluteus maximus (your butt), and trapezius (all the way up to the top of your back).

 

That's a whole lot more than crunches can cover BUT when covered correctly you'll strengthen your body in a way that makes EVERY thing in life easier from walking, running, picking up heavy things, to in general life - like energy. All those muscles working in harmony also serve as an internal girdle (see ya, never, spanx).

 

So with all of your workouts - focus on your core.

 

I promise you'll find peace, balance, self-confidence, happiness, and an energy you've never known.

 

Sweat & Smiles,

Melissa

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Melissa Romano is the creator of You First Fitness a revolutionary style of personal training program designed to make you the expert on your life and body. She is also the co-creator of Balanced You Wellness Retreats. After graduating from West Virginia Wesleyan College she completed 200+ hours to obtain her Professional Certificate of Personal Fitness Training from Pierpont Community College.  Since 2009 she has worked full-time as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor and wellness coach. She believes in functional fitness, healthy lifestyle changes and a holistic approach to a better, happier, healthier life. In 2015 she welcomed her greatest joy and fiercest life lesson into the world, Cannon Cobb. The two of them can usually be found outside or at one of the local parks. Visit Melissa's Web site at  https://youfirst.fitness/ or email her at melissa@youfirst.fitness.