Core Strength Training: The body's core is located between the base of the skull and the base of the tailbone and is the center of all muscular function. No matter how strong the arms, chest, shoulders and legs look and feel, if the remaining frame or "core" (neck, stomach and lower back) is weak, the body won't perform at it's full potential. Core strength is necessary for the average person in order to properly support the internal organs and hold the spine in alignment. Core strength helps to maintain proper posture and avoid the onset of chronic back pain.

For the athlete, core strength is a fundamental requirement for championship level performance. As an athlete performs explosive motions like jumping and sprinting, the upper and lower body must move like a finely tuned machine in order to operate at maximum speed and generate maximum power. It is the muscles within the core that tie the body's extremities together
and coordinate their motions. Athletes that possess strong core strength are able to better manage their body's motions through improved coordination and are there for more efficient and able to better sustain speed and power.

Unlike traditional weight training, shadowboxing provides ultimate core strength training by exercising all the extremities at the same time as the core. The result is dramatically improved balance; coordination and agility achieved at the same time that speed, strength, flexibility and endurance are developed. It's a much more integrated approach than traditional abdominal or back strengthening workouts.

Shadow boxing requires the rapid transfer of body weight and core rotation which are the keys to power not only in throwing a punch, but in hitting a baseball or tennis ball, driving a golf ball, or in kicking, blocking, jumping or the quick change of direction required in most sports.

The core conditioning and cross training benefits of shadow boxing will improve the way you look, the way you feel and how you perform. Now, go out and get started!