First of all, let me apologize for not posting in quite some time. I’ve been crazy busy working on some other projects that I think you guys will really enjoy (more coming on that in the next few weeks). Anyway, I want to talk about something that absolutely drives me crazy. What am I talking about? I’m talking about the use of the word “core.”

You can hardly look at anything fitness related without seeing, “core workout”, “core training”, “strengthen your core”, “sexy core”, yahda yahda yahda, blah blah blah. Here’s the problem; 99.9% of that stuff deals with abs only. ”Hold on Vaughn, I thought your abs are your core?” If you asked that question, let me explain. The truth is: abs are only a part of your true core.

Let’s take a second and think about what the word core means. Core is defined in the dictionary as the central, innermost, most essential part of anything. That being said, which one makes more sense…..Your abs are the most essential part of your muscle system OR Your abs are one of the most essential parts of your muscle system? Hopefully you went with the second choice.

“Okay then Vaughn, what is my core?” Here it is: quads (thighs), hamstrings, glutes (butt), lower back, and abs are your core muscle groups. Think about that and go back and read the definition of core again……..makes a lot more sense than just abs doesn’t it? These groups lay the foundation for a high performance body. If one of those muscle groups is in bad shape, it can set off a negative chain reaction that can affect the rest of your core muscles which can then affect your entire muscle system.

So don’t be fooled the next time you see a core workout that only trains abs. If you really want to build a strong core you know what muscle groups to train. You can always use the workouts here and at http://soulfoodfitclub.com – By the way, right now membership in the Soul Food Fit Club is free. But that is going to change very soon. So if you want a steal of a deal sign up now….those who get it for free get to keep it for free. There’s going to be a lot of amazing content coming in the next few weeks. Until next time………. 

Ok, so its  Sunday, February 15th and I’m driving back to Atlanta from Myrtle Beach. The weather is almost spring-like, which reminds me that it will actually be spring in about two months.  Hence, the reason for this post.

Listen up, don’t be one of the many that waits until spring to get in shape for spring. If you want to make a drastic improvement to your physical appearance and well-being it starts now. Look at it this way: If you wanted to get in shape for a marathon, would you wait until the day of the marathon to start training? Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Yet and still, plenty of guys flood the health clubs once the weather warms up. Why? Because they start thinking about looking good without a shirt or in a tank top. The problem is that since the warm weather is already here they want to look like a superstar yesterday. Now an unrealistic expectation has been set, which usually leads to disappointment followed by quitting.

Don’t do that to yourself. Be smart and start putting in your time now. That way once April or May gets here, you’ll already be in the game. If you need some help jumpstarting your fitness program, sign up for the Soul Food Fit Club. It’s free and there’s plenty in there to help you (including a beast of a workout program).  Until next time….