Local Man Starting to Think His Core Will Never Be Strong Enough for Runner’s World
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A local runner is beginning to wonder whether his “core” will ever be strong enough to satisfy the editors of Runner’s World, Dumb Runner has learned—despite the fact that he routinely performs workouts targeting those muscles, described by the American Council on Exercise as “the major muscles that move, support and stabilize your spine.”
“I don’t know what they expect from me,” said Nathan Huffhines, 29, a longtime runner and veteran of five marathons, referring to the publication’s staff. “I consider myself a pretty fit guy, and I try to do all the right things. But Runner’s World has just been relentless with the ‘Strengthen Your Core’ messages. Sometimes multiple times per day.”
“When will it be enough?”
Huffhines said he began paying attention to his core two or three years ago, as the word gained currency among running bloggers, trainers, and media. Before that, he said, he simply ran and, a few times a week, performed pushups and pullups.
“Then I started incorporating all these core workouts,” he said. “To be honest, I didn’t notice much difference with my running. But I kept at it.”
Over time, said Huffhines, Runner’s World’s exhortations grew more frequent—and more strident.
“It’s constant, and it comes from all directions,” he said. “I go to their website, and it’s 6 Core Exercises You Can Do Every Day or Try These Simple Kettlebell Exercises for a Stronger Core or This 15-Minute Ab Circuit Will Help You Build a Strong Core.”
“On Facebook, I see Bodyweight Core Workout: No equipment needed! and Try this at-home ab workout. I go over to Twitter, and it’s The ultimate 8-minute abs circuit that builds serious core strength, This 20-minute ab workout will get you ripped in no time, Trainer Lindsey Clayton shows you a yoga-inspired core workout that you can do at home, and Allyson Felix Shares Her Go-To Core Workout (No Equipment Required).”
About a month ago, said Huffhines, things got so bad he decided to take a break from all social media for a week.
“That night,” he said, “someone hurled a cinder block through my living room window, with a note attached.”
The note’s message?
“Get a Stronger Core With This At-Home Cinder Block Workout.”
Reached for comment, a Runner’s World spokeswoman told Dumb Runner, “To power through miles on the road, you need a strong core and solid cardio fitness.”
