Some parts of a fitness routine are straightforward: for many, cardio routines are all mapped out by a personal trainer or fitness expert, especially with all of the neat diagnostic bells and whistles on new cardio machines.

But other aspects of training are more complex, and a good case in point is in core training.

For those of you unfamiliar with training the core, this essentially means working the muscles around the back, midsection and torso that carry the body around and respond to any kind of pressure on the body as a whole.  Your abs, pelvic muscles, and back support muscles are all part of your core.

That’s where the debate comes in: core training can be much like the old tale with the three bears, where “Goldilocks”, the new fitness participant, ‘tastes’ different kind of resistance training.  Some activities that basically include no weight resistance can be “too light”, heavy free weight training can be “too heavy”, and a good low-weight resistance on the abs and other core muscles can be “just right”.

But what’s “just right” for one may not be just right for another, and that’s where trainers differ on just exactly what should be done with the core.  Most agree that both ‘extra-light’ balance training and ‘moderate’ weight training can be beneficial.  Beyond that – some trainers prescribe fitness tools like balance boards, rollers, gliders, and other items that put the body off-balance, saying that the core will respond to these stresses over time and get stronger.  Yes, it will, say others, but if you really want to get core strength, skip some of that stuff and go with tools like adjustable barbells, kettlebells, or the medicine ball – fitness tools with real weight!

If you’re working with moderate resistance, you don’t have to strain under extreme weights.  Just find a load that feels right to your muscles and work with it.  Flexible ball training, medicine ball lifting, squats and lunges with plate weights or any combination is a great example of how to work your core with moderate weight: and if you’re looking to really get muscle strength, these tools are great for your home gym or collection.

On the other hand, if you’re at all hesitant, it may be a good idea to get hold of balance cushions, balance boards, rollers, pilates equipment, or other tools that let you work without weight pressure.  People with a delicate balance system or very little core muscle often do better starting off this way, until the core is more deft and ready to handle any kind of weight training.

Coming on too strong and advancing too fast is a recipe for disaster.  If you core is weaker than your limbs, and you start pressing 150lbs, you just might stress your core muscles (especially the back) too much.  So, steady and slow is the best option.  Many times, a trainer can feel when the body is ready for a little more weight or resistance.

Diagnosis from a personal trainer can help, too.  Chart a future for yourself and get the correct tools to begin your journey, taking notes along the way, to work out for success.