Wave Rider Works to Strengthen Core

Once upon a time, I was super fit. I had great tone and strong core muscles. I had naturally healthy eating habits, and I did some form of exercise every day, including a boot camp class every Saturday—my favorite.

I was in great shape.

Then I had not one, but two worrisome pregnancies, which stopped me from continuing any form of exercise. And unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances squashed my valiant effort to have a natural childbirth. My physician told me that my condition had become dangerous; a cesarean section was my only option.

So, I had a cesarean, which ensured a repeated cesarean if I wanted another child, which I did.

And the reward is beyond measure. I have been truly blessed with two beautiful little spirits, and they are the light in my eyes.

I'm getting back to being active every day, and I really enjoy a good sweat, but now exercise is a little harder. I'm getting a little older. My body doesn't react to exercise exactly like it used to.

Now, I work twice as hard and eat half as much as I did in my 20s.

I would be lying if I said I didn't miss my 25-year-old self, but I also know that my 25-year-old self isn't who I am today. I like who I am today.

But physically? Heck yeah, 25!

What I have noticed about my non-25-year-old-self is this: I have weak core muscles and poor endurance. I suspect my repeated abdominal surgeries have contributed to my weakened core, but I know that with proper training I can once again become strong.

Your core muscles are one of the most important muscles groups in your body; they're essential for balance and stability.

Balance and stability is essential for many of the activities that I enjoy—and , and are just a few reasons for me to get in better shape.

In an effort to really beef up my workouts, I recently started going to a sports performance center where I can work on all the muscles in my body and build up my endurance.

I have become addicted to the hour-long fitness classes. These classes are just what I need to strengthen my body and tone my muscles. I'm not a competitive athlete, but I love the feeling I get from a challenging workout. I work on my agility as well as muscle definition, and I already feel a difference.

As I sprint across the turf, I feel my body shout, You didn't get out of shape overnight! so I sprint faster, hold the plank longer and squat lower.

I know I will never get back that 25-year-old body, and that's fine—I'm not 25. But, I love feeling how my body responds to new exercise in a way I haven't felt in years. I'm using muscle groups that I have all but neglected; I'm beginning to feel the benefit of my efforts.

And that makes me feel like I'm 25 again.