Core Issues

Attemption to divine the next move in this yo yo of a market calls for a lot of hours seated in front of a computer. This can wreak havoc on your back and your core. These are the cornerstones of you skeletal system and support almost every other part of your body. I've mentioned this before and it bears repeating.

Good posture is a sign of good health. A strong lower back and abdomen are very helpful during a marathon session on your feet on the trading floor during the day or in front of the computer later that night. Another thing to consider is that one tends to carry oneself with more confidence which inspires confidence in others. Don't want the troops seeing you slouched over, right? And lastly, your weekend ball games and fun with the kids will call upon you to shoulder the kind of load a lackluster core just can't handle.

Today I'm going to lay out a solid core sculpting workout that will not only strengthen your body's center of support, but also carve an attractive midsection. .

1) Oblique Cable Crunch

A. Grasp a rope handle attached to a high cable pulley and kneel about 2 feet from the weight stack.
Turn your body about 45 degrees to the left so that you're at an angle to the cable apparatus.
Position your hands down on top of your head and keep your arms locked in this position throughout the exercise. Your knees should be bent at close to a 90-degree angle, and your hips should create an angle just beyond 90 degrees between your torso and thighs.

B. Inhale and hold your breath as you pull down against the resistance, flexing and twisting your spine by contracting your abdominals and obliques. Attempt to bring your right elbow to your left knee.
Hold this position for a second as you forcefully exhale and contract your abs and obliques.
Slowly return to the start position, resisting the weight with your abs and obliques.
Pause for a moment,then inhale and repeat for repetitions.

2) Crunch

A. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and hands behind your head.

B. Curl up, bringing you torso toward your knees, concentrating on crunching your abs muscles as you come up. Try to get your shoulder blades off the floor. Don't pull on your head or press your chin into your chest.

3) Hanging Knee Raise

A. Grasp a high bar so that your body hangs freely without your feet touching the floor. Hang with your arms fully extended and a slight arch in your lower back.

B. Bend your legs and raise your knees towards your chest. For this exercise to be effective, your knees should come up above your hips. Return to the start position.