Also: High blood pressure linked to decline in memory and thinking skills; Keeping your core workout on track.

August 7, 2014 August 7, 2014 A strong core: The simple, flexible, and portable workout Strengthening your core muscles doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can do these simple exercises anywhere and adapt them as you gain fitness. Get your copy of Gentle Core Exercises Gentle core exercises are specially designed for people who aren't up to tackling regular core exercises, perhaps because they are out of shape or possibly due to an injury or health problem. This Special Health Report will show you how to build your core with workouts that are gentle and rewarding. You’ll be introduced to more than three dozen exercises designed to strengthen core muscles, increase flexibility and stability, improve balance, and tone your silhouette. The office workout The following routine is a great way to ease into core work. You can do these four exercises at work, without your colleagues being any the wiser. You can do these exercises at home, too, thanks to simple variations. The front plank, for example, can be done while either leaning on your desk or using the kitchen counter to support your weight. Equipment needed: Desk (a table or countertop is also fine), exercise mat, and sturdy chair. Chair Stand Front Plank on Desk Bridge Abdominal Contraction To learn more about building a strong core, buy Gentle Core Exercises: Start toning your abs, building your back muscles, and reclaiming core fitness today, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Share this story: News and Views from the Harvard Health Blog High blood pressure in midlife linked to later decline in memory, thinking skills A new study linking high blood pressure in middle age and later declines in memory and thinking skills offers an important take-home lesson. Keep your core workouts on track Sticking with exercise isn’t always easy, but setting goals and having a plan for when your motivation flags can help. If you’re spending more time finding excuses than doing those planks and bridges, try choosing a few goals from the options below. I want to: keep my back strong and flexible to help me avoid lower back pain ease back pain or stiffness so I can move, sit, and sleep comfortably enhance my balance and stability, which will help prevent falls and make walking and other activities easier reclaim the strength and flexibility I need for everyday movements like bending, turning, and lifting build up the strength and flexibility I need for on-the-job tasks like lifting heavy items, twisting, or standing or sitting at a desk for hours add power to activities I enjoy, like tennis, running, golf, kayaking, gardening, and other active pursuits improve my posture, which can trim my figure visually and help prevent back injuries help tone my waistline spice up my weekly workouts by adding variation. For more ways to keep your core muscles strong and working for you, buy Gentle Core Exercises, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Share this story: Featured in this issue Gentle Core Exercises Featured content: • The importance of your core • Tailoring gentle core exercises to your abilities • Structuring your workout: Four commonly asked questions • Posture and alignment • Choosing which gentle core exercises to do •  ... and more! Click here to read more » Harvard Medical School offers special reports on over 50 health topics. Visit our website at http://www.health.harvard.edu to find reports of interest to you and your family. PHONE ORDERS - please call our toll-free number: 1-877-649-9457. You are currently subscribed to HEALTHbeat as sugengaria@gmail.com. EDIT YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PROFILE UNSUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE TO HEALTHbeat VIEW HEALTHbeat ARCHIVES Visit our website at: www.health.harvard.edu Email us at: healthbeat@health.harvard.edu FOLLOW US ON:  Facebook Twitter Copyright © 2014 by Harvard University. Harvard Health Publications, 10 Shattuck Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA * Please note, we do not provide responses to personal medical concerns, nor can we supply related medical information other than what is available in our print products or website. For specific, personalized medical advice we encourage you to contact your physician.