I'm seeing more and more articles telling their reading to get serious about doing their core exercises. Why is that? By maintaining stronger core muscles you can fend off fatigue that hits you in the later stages of a ride, run, or swim. If you haven't been exercising your core, fatigue will set in first on these muscles, throwing your once proper positioning out of whack, potentially causing improper breathing, over compensation of other muscles, quickening the fatigue in other muscles, and leading to injury. I think I spelled that out well, and it isn't a pretty picture.

"So, Wide-Body, why aren't you doing more core exercises?" Because I have been a lazy sack of poo and I WILL RESTART MY EFFORTS TODAY. So, back off.

Here is an article from Road Bike Action Magazine with some tips on strengthening the core.

Highlights and pictures are from the magazine. Please see the details here: http://www.roadbikeaction.com/fly.aspx?layout=content&taxid=97&cid=152

PULSING SUPERMAN
(TARGETS LOW BACK AND GLUTEAL MUSCLES)
Start in the neutral position by lying face down on soft surface such as a folded yoga mat. Slowly begin to raise the head, arms and shoulders off the floor as if flying. Now raise the feet, knees and thighs off the floor so the back is arched. Hold this position for a count of eight (counting ‘one—one thousand, two—one thousand, etc.’). Then go back to the neutral position for a count of two. Repeat for a total of 20 repetitions.

REVERSE CRUNCHES
(TARGETS UPPER AND LOWER AB MUSCLES)
Begin in the neutral position by lying on the back. With hands behind the head, slowly raise the head, shoulders and torso off the floor while at the same time raising the legs, which are bent. The shoulders are brought towards the knees and vice versa. It’s important to not pull on the head with the hands. Begin by bringing the knees toward the chest and the chest toward knees, squeezing the abdominal muscles tightly at the top of the movement. Slowly return back to the neutral position. Do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions.

THE TRANSVERSE SIDE PLANK
(TARGETS THE TRANSVERSE ABDOMINUS AND OBLIQUE MUSCLES)
Start out lying on one side of the body with the forearm pressing flat on the floor and under the shoulder to prop up the body. Next stack the feet together, one on top of the other. Raise the other arm and stretch it over the head. Begin to raise the hips off the floor until the body is straight from the feet to the head (like a plank). Hold for 20 to 60 seconds. It’s important to pull the abdominal muscles tight, with navel toward the spine.