Fitness Training Expert aims to provide top quality fitness training advice, exercise information and educational resources for all fitness enthusiasts.  Expert fitness advice SEARCH THIS SITE FACEBOOK BRIDGEFIT ARTICLES   Core Strength and Power Exercises Before talking specifically about core strength and power exercises it makes sense to explain the difference between core stability exercises and core strength and power exercises. Core stability is something that is needed throughout our sports, throughout our activities within our life and obviously throughout all exercises within our training session. Core stability exercises generally have an endurance emphasis with greater time under tension per set, and slower tempos (movement speeds) or isometric holds. McGill (2002) eludes to data suggesting that longer duration, lower effort exercise programs seem preferable than strengthening programs, certainly with regards to reducing back pain. Core strength and power exercises I would classify as those that involve more movement (but still require stability), and less time under tension per set. Power movements will require even less time under tension per set, with more rapid tempos per repetition. There can be a fine line distinguishing true stability exercises from strength excercises when it comes to the abdominal core area. Take the deadlift which i mentioned as an anti-flexion core stability exercise, change the loading parameters and it is very much a strength exercise. If I talk about posterior chain (glutes and hamstring development) it may become a strength exercise for this area that just happens to require abdominal core stability and strength (oh and not forgetting the scapula/thoracic spine demands). Where these core strength and power exercises fit into a training program can be very dependant on the individual and their training goals. Power exercises may be included early within the training program after a thorough warm up. Specific core strength exercises may be included towards the end of a training session. Sometimes they will be integrated within the actual body of the training session. It all depends on the client, their needs, training schedule, equipment available and even what they enjoy. It is important to clarify that some sport specific exercises, although providing benefits to an athletic population may be seen as too advanced or too high a risk for the general non sporting population. Core strength exercises Cable Woodchop  Abdominal crunch variations  Resisted core wheel  Single arm row with thoracic rotation  Windscreen wipers  Core power exercises Medicine ball punch  Medicine ball overhead throw  Medicine ball slam  Tornado ball twists  Related Core Strength and Power Articles References: McGill, S. (2002) Low Back Disorders, Champaign, Human Kinetics