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Strengthening My Core

April 24, 2018 By fitness4mamas 100 Comments

After running for over a decade (4 marathons completed and many other races), I still believe there are many things I can learn from other runners and fitness enthusiasts.

If I compare how I was fit and prepared to run my first marathon (the London Marathon 2011) and my last one (just a few weeks ago in Paris), one of the main differences is definitely that I know so much more about my body and how far I can push it.

Paris Marathon 2018
Paris Marathon 2018

Running before I had become a mum was so different. I was not very passionate about it back then, just kind of trying to keep in shape. My body changed so much after giving birth, and one of the struggles I had to fight was my core muscles were weakened and I developed the runner’s knee while training for my first marathon.

Back then I didn’t really know much about why every runner also needs to work hard on their core muscles. These days when training for a marathon I always make sure that I also go swimming as well as to my fave spinning and pilates on a weekly basis.

When I gave birth to my second daughter, I was so addicted to running I could not wait to go back to it. I miss running with Olivia in my Out n’ About Nipper Sport up very steep hills. When she was a bit older, she was shouting and encouraging me and people were turning their heads and smiling when they spotted us.

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Many of mums at the school gates were asking me about buggy-running and I am so pleased this is not such a unique thing to see these days as mums should not stop running just because they have nobody to look after their little ones. Run with them, is always my answer.

Anyway, what I was suggesting was that after my second childbirth, I knew exactly what to do to make sure I did not develop the runners and knee. I worked hard on strengthening my core muscles and am very happy to say since then I never struggled with the runner’s knee while training for my next marathons.

There is a reason why “core” is the core of our bodies and we all need to keep on strengthening these muscles.

Every year since 2013 I have been part of Product of the Year jury. I was delighted to see WonderCore® Smart won the core fitness category in 2018. It was my favorite product and let me tell you a bit more about it.

I am all about exercising outside and love the fact this product is not too bulky and easy to carry outside too. It was super easy to set up and start using. It comes with a very handy exercise guide which shows you clearly how to use it and what exercise you can do.

What else do you get? There is also a DVD with two 35mins workouts and a nutrition guide which I was very keen to try out. As I say, there is always space in my life for improvement and love trying new things.

Features I like:
compact, easy to store
easily adjustable resistance
great for strengthening your core & toning arms
easy use

As a runner, I often focus on exercises that involve my core and leg muscles. Unfortunately, I have always been very slack with working on toning my arms, and am hoping to change this with WonderCore® Smart.

I know it’s not going to happen overnight and as with everything, it’s all about regular workouts. Wish me a good luck, and hopefully, I will be sharing a pic of my toned arms soon!

 

How to Win WonderCore® Smart?

One lucky Fitness 4 Mamas reader will win this fitness unit worth £79.98 If you would like to enter, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter widget below.

UK & Ireland 18+ entries only!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Giveaways, Health & Fitness Tips, Strengthening & Toning up Tagged With: affiliate link, core, core musles, strengthening exercises, toning up, win, WonderCore® Smart

Comments

  1. Jason Tolliss says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    This would really help me get back in shape

    Reply
  2. Adrian Bold says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:20 pm

    This looks like a fun way to exercise and get fitter. I’d love to win it.

    Reply
  3. Monica Gilbert says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:12 pm

    My running has really slipped in the last decade (wow, that’s depressing to type). I really want to get back into exercising to improve myself physically and mentally.

    Reply
  4. Rebecca Phillips says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Since having my second child (almost 4 years ago – gulp!) I’ve really struggled with getting back into shape and keeping weight off. It would be a massive help because I could use it in the comfort of my own home!

    Reply
  5. Kyomi Johnson says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    I’d love to win to help me get back into shape after finishing chemotherapy treatment and to get my strength back

    Reply
  6. Laura Khomutova says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    I would love to get fitter and healthier

    Reply
  7. Deborah Clarke says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    Awesome #giveaway this could be just the motivation I need to get myself bikini ready . Thanks for the chance to be your lucky winner

    Reply
  8. Fiona Johnstone says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    This is such a great thing. Doesn’t take up too much room. My partner and I can both use it. I really need to work on my core muscles and flabby arms and actually pretty much everything. No excuses now.

    Reply
  9. Chrissy Faery says

    June 10, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Ooh! I’d love to win this as I’m currently training for my first ever Spartan race in the autumn! I’m also a runner, and I definitely need to work on my arms and core muscles a lot more! xx

    Reply
  10. TRACY JAMES says

    June 10, 2018 at 7:22 pm

    to be honest ,i really hate exercize,but this little fitness product looks great. i would love to win and give it ago.

    Reply
  11. Jeanette Leighton says

    June 10, 2018 at 6:44 pm

    I’d love to see if it would improve my bad back after 4 children it has took its toll the doctor said

    Reply
  12. Pauline Burroughs says

    June 10, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    I’d love to win this because I really need to tone up

    Reply
  13. Simone Griffin says

    June 10, 2018 at 6:00 pm

    I’ve booked my wedding and I’d love one of these to motivate me to walk and exercise more #weddinggoals

    Reply
  14. Emma Chapman says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:37 pm

    Pregnancy and illness I’ve lost my core strength and notice the back pain I get with it I’d love this as it’s versatile and I would be able train at h9ne and still be a mum

    Reply
  15. Ruth Wollerton says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    I would love to win for a better core, so I can develop my running better. I also suffer from regular strains, so I am hoping this will improve my muscle tone and prevent injuries. Thanks xxx

    Reply
  16. Corinne Peat says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:16 pm

    I need help getting fitter and this looks great.

    Reply
  17. Rebecca Howells (@Regrash7) says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    Need to lose some weight and gain some strength in my muscles.

    Reply
  18. Sarah morris says

    June 10, 2018 at 4:00 pm

    Would love to win this to help me get fit

    Reply
  19. Katy Hacket says

    June 10, 2018 at 3:43 pm

    I seem to be putting more weight on since having a baby and this looks like a great way to exercise from home.

    Reply
  20. Natalie Crossan says

    June 10, 2018 at 3:36 pm

    This looks great, fingers crossed
    natalielara1989 on instagram 🙂

    Reply
  21. hayley pemberton says

    June 10, 2018 at 3:35 pm

    because my core is not quite the same as it used to and would love to shape up for my wedding

    Reply
  22. Jo Fowler says

    June 10, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    Because since having twins my core has never been the same!. My other half also has back problems which he thinks is down to a weak core

    Reply
  23. Jessica Powell says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    This looks fab. I really need to work on getting fitter!

    Reply
  24. Michelle Smith says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    I need to get a bit fitter and this looks fab.

    Reply
  25. Kate Davies says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    I would love to win this to tone up my mum tum.

    Reply
  26. Alica says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:14 pm

    This would be so helpful to work out at home! Thanks for the chance x

    Reply
  27. Jessica Barber says

    June 10, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    I really want to work on my core strength and this looks like a fab help!

    Reply
  28. Sheila Reeves @cakereev says

    June 10, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    Would love to win as have had shoulder problems for almost a year, and would love to kick-start a new exercise regime, especially core as i know that has been lacking lately.
    Had seen this on the tv and thought, will it be useful? Having read your review my mind has changed as if you are finding it useful it must be good!

    Reply
  29. Michelle Ferguson says

    June 10, 2018 at 12:15 pm

    I would like to get fitter so this would be a great help

    Reply
  30. donna large says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:01 am

    l want to get fit

    Reply
  31. Chloe Bailey says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:27 am

    I would love to win because I’m on a new health kick and I’m really going with it this time! I’ve changed what I eat and also exercising consistently! Xx

    Reply
  32. paula cheadle says

    June 10, 2018 at 10:24 am

    to help me get fitter

    Reply
  33. carol boffey says

    June 10, 2018 at 9:39 am

    Need to get fit

    Reply
  34. joanne casey says

    June 10, 2018 at 9:34 am

    I really need to improve my muscle tone, since reaching my 40s everything is going downhill!

    Reply
  35. Marie Cozens says

    June 10, 2018 at 1:12 am

    I need to tone up desperately after having my 5th child

    Reply
  36. Charlie Lovatt says

    June 9, 2018 at 9:38 pm

    I’m currently losing weight I order to donate eggs for a 3rd time to help create a family for someone who just needs a little help. This would help me to exercise at home, build muscles and burn fat.

    Reply
  37. Rosie Holloway says

    June 9, 2018 at 6:20 pm

    I would love to win – wanted one for ages but can’t afford it at the moment. Desperately need to sort out my muffin top and strengthen my core muscles as I have a bad back too.

    Reply
  38. Lydia Joy says

    June 9, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    I’d like to win to improve mine and my partners fitness. We need to do that.

    Reply
  39. Christopher Read says

    June 8, 2018 at 9:55 pm

    I need to get more exercise! Great comp, thanks for running this.

    Reply
  40. sharon martin says

    June 8, 2018 at 7:53 pm

    i’m needing to get fitter so the would be a great help

    Reply
  41. Adrian Clarke says

    June 8, 2018 at 11:21 am

    Because i’ve got a big tummy & a weak back.

    Reply
  42. laura wheatley says

    June 7, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    I really need to lose weight so this would help me along my journey

    Reply
  43. Carole Nott says

    June 7, 2018 at 9:35 am

    Would love to win this to help with my exercise routine

    Reply
  44. Ellie Welch says

    June 7, 2018 at 6:29 am

    looks awesome xxx

    Reply
  45. Elaine Stokes says

    June 5, 2018 at 8:36 pm

    working long hours so often dark when i can exercise so this would be perfect

    Reply
  46. Lindsey Smith says

    June 5, 2018 at 8:59 am

    I have been following a fitness plan all of 2018 so far but my core is so hard to get any improvement with, I think without a tool like this it is easy to do the other exercises without ‘engaging that core!’ as my instructor yells :). I think this would really help to target that problem area for me.

    Reply
  47. ElizM says

    June 2, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    I’m rubbish at exercising but this looks simple and convenient to use

    Reply
  48. Ren Taylor says

    June 1, 2018 at 10:59 am

    It looks easy to use ans I need to start getting fit !!

    Reply
  49. sarah carter says

    May 31, 2018 at 11:19 am

    I would love to win as I have recently lost a lot of weight and I would love something like this to help me tone up x

    Reply
  50. Alison Johnson says

    May 30, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I really need to strengthen my core. I have a back injury & my physio is always saying I need to make my core stronger.

    Reply
  51. shellyg says

    May 28, 2018 at 9:33 pm

    I’d like to win as I’ve just hit 40 and despite exercising since I was a teenager, I’m storing fat around my waist and I can’t seem to get rid of it. It’s the only place I put weight on and I don’t like it as it makes me self conscious so I wear baggy clothes as I feel people can see it.

    Reply
  52. Rebecca Smith says

    May 28, 2018 at 9:10 am

    I would love to win to help keep me motivated on my fitness journey

    Reply
  53. Suzanne Davies says

    May 27, 2018 at 3:39 pm

    I would love to win this to help my core become stronger (something I definitely need!) It also looks a really convenient way to exercise!

    Reply
  54. Kim Styles says

    May 27, 2018 at 1:48 pm

    I would love to win this because it would help so much with my fitness regime for 2018

    Reply
  55. Kim Styles says

    May 27, 2018 at 1:47 pm

    looks a great piece of kit – visited on instagram and liked the photo thank you

    Reply
  56. Amanda Noble says

    May 26, 2018 at 11:22 pm

    Having receny lost quite a bit of weight I really think the smart core would help inspire me and help me to lose even more as well as helping to step up my exercise and tone up those annoying wobbly bits!

    Reply
  57. zoe brown says

    May 26, 2018 at 10:11 pm

    i really need to build up my arms strength not good due to mobility problems and illness

    Reply
  58. amy bondoc says

    May 26, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    thsi would be a great help to help me achieve my goals

    Reply
  59. Lorna Ledger says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    I have MS, so I need all the help with fitness I can! thanks

    Reply
  60. Lorna Ledger says

    May 23, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    @lotusbalth

    Reply
  61. Ursula Hunt says

    May 23, 2018 at 11:46 am

    I am working hard to reduce my waistline and this would be a terrific help

    Reply
  62. Beverley Leek says

    May 21, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    I would love to win for myself. Its been a roller-coaster of a year with putting on weight. This looks great to help me re-assert myself and bring back the old, fitter me. Thank you for the chance to win and good luck to all 🙂

    Reply
  63. Karen Barrett says

    May 20, 2018 at 8:51 pm

    I would love to win for my son, he is in training for Ironman 2018 in July

    Reply
  64. lynn neal says

    May 20, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    I am trying to improve my fitness and would like to try something different!

    Reply
  65. amanba w says

    May 18, 2018 at 1:44 pm

    i have just started slimming world and need something to help boost that weight loss and help tone me up! this looks like the perfect fit!!

    Reply
  66. Tiffeny Brown says

    May 17, 2018 at 6:01 pm

    I would love to win because I’ve heard great things about the wondercore smart and think it would really help me to lose weight and tone up 🙂

    Reply
  67. Liam Bishop says

    May 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    my wife would love this, she is into home fitness when she can’t get to the gym!

    Reply
  68. Margaret Gallagher says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:17 am

    To look fab – this is perfect

    Reply
  69. Ellen Stafford says

    May 16, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    I could do with this as I am trying to get healthier!

    Reply
  70. Pam Francis Gregory says

    May 12, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    Could always do with a little help!

    Reply
  71. Kim Carberry says

    May 11, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I could do with getting fitter and losing some weight. I think this would help. x

    Reply
  72. Lorraine Kirk says

    May 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    My body needs help!

    Reply
  73. Christine Taylor says

    May 10, 2018 at 8:24 am

    I would love to win as I need all the help I can get on my get fit journey x

    Reply
  74. C Whitlow says

    May 9, 2018 at 10:57 pm

    I’m currently on a big health and diet kick to pose weight. Roped.my husband in too and this would really help us out! It looks so good x

    Reply
  75. Karen Holden-Craufurd says

    May 8, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    Need to increase the exercise I do, and it loooks as if I could manage to do lots of these exercises.

    Reply
  76. Jo Young says

    May 8, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    I’d love to win as I have back problems which are eased by having a strong core!

    Reply
  77. clair downham says

    May 3, 2018 at 6:14 pm

    i would like to win to get into shape

    Reply
  78. cheryl hadfield says

    May 3, 2018 at 10:07 am

    perfect to tone up now I have lost 4st 7lb

    Reply
  79. kev banham says

    April 30, 2018 at 12:40 pm

    love a 6 pack so love to win

    Reply
  80. Tracy Hanley says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    I really need to do more exercise

    Reply
  81. Jennifer Toal says

    April 28, 2018 at 12:55 pm

    Need a bikini bod for my holidays

    Reply
  82. sam r says

    April 26, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    looks great for core muscles, and nice and small for my tiny flat! 🙂

    Reply
  83. Zoey says

    April 26, 2018 at 7:15 pm

    I’d love to strengthen my core and loose weight after years of failed fertility treatment as taken it’s toll

    Reply
  84. Ricky Upex says

    April 26, 2018 at 4:45 pm

    I have Parkinson’s disease and find it really difficult to train now but with the wondercore even my body will get a good workout

    Reply
  85. Hannah Wallington says

    April 25, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    It looks like a really handy thing to have around.

    Reply
  86. Sheena Batey says

    April 25, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    I am trying to get my exercise mojo working again and my core strengthened. This would be ideal

    Reply
  87. Graham Ross says

    April 25, 2018 at 10:41 am

    I would like to win this because it can be used at home and doesn’t need much space,and to tone my stomach

    Reply
  88. melanie stirling says

    April 25, 2018 at 1:41 am

    I would like to win this because it can be used at home and doesn’t need much space.

    Reply
  89. Kim Neville says

    April 24, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    This would help me tone up the areas I need to the most. Great doesn’t take up too much space at home

    Reply
  90. Hayley Colburn says

    April 24, 2018 at 10:39 pm

    I saw these on the tv when I’m up all hours and they look great, so compact and yet they work out so many parts of the body, I would love one as I’ve let myself go quite a bit since I had my daughter 2 years ago and I really want to get back in shape

    Reply
  91. Solange says

    April 24, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    I really need to work on my core muscles

    Reply
  92. Solange says

    April 24, 2018 at 10:01 pm

    I really need to work hard on my core muscles.

    Reply
  93. Jen Oconnell says

    April 24, 2018 at 8:20 pm

    Such a great giveaway. I’m desperately trying to get back in shape after having a baby

    Reply
  94. laura banks says

    April 24, 2018 at 8:19 pm

    i’ve seen it advertised in the morning and looks like something i would be able to use

    Reply
  95. MANDY DOHERTY says

    April 24, 2018 at 8:11 pm

    Looks a great piece of equipment

    Reply
  96. Alice Dixon says

    April 24, 2018 at 7:38 pm

    I’m trying to get fitter, this would be amazing and helpful

    Reply
  97. sam macaree says

    April 24, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    love getting fit

    Reply
  98. laura stewart says

    April 24, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    looks amazing, fingers crossed x

    Reply
  99. Kellie Steed says

    April 24, 2018 at 5:15 pm

    I would love to win because I have a lot of back and spine issues, which cause me severely reduced mobility and weakness. One thing that I feel would help me is to get some of my strength back. I’ve made peace with always being in pain, but I hate not being able to get around, so I am challenging myself to do what the DRs can’t do and make my life a little easier.

    Reply
  100. Annabel Greaves says

    April 24, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    It looks like a great fitness tool xx

    Reply

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