HOW I INCORPORATE CORE TRAINING AND CARDIO INTO MY FITNESS ROUTINE

Published: 29/06/2026 | By: Edina Green

Edina Green’s approach to core and cardio training is simple: build strength, improve fitness, and stay consistent without overcomplicating workouts. And these are the methods that helps her stay strong, fit, and balanced.

When people think about fitness, they often focus on lifting weights or chasing aesthetic goals. While I love strength training, core work and cardio have become staples in my routine because of how much they improve the way I move and feel.

For me, core training is about much more than visible abs. A strong core supports everything from lifting weights in the gym to running, posture, balance, and everyday movement. Likewise, cardio is not just about burning calories. It helps improve endurance, supports heart health, boosts energy levels, and has a huge impact on my mental wellbeing.

I enjoy combining core and cardio because they complement each other so well. Stronger core muscles help me run better, while better cardiovascular fitness helps me perform better during strength sessions. Together, they create a balanced approach to training that fits naturally into my lifestyle.

Why I Train My Core

Core training plays a huge role in my overall fitness routine. Whether I am lifting weights, running, or simply moving through daily life, my core is involved in almost everything I do.

One of the biggest benefits of core strength is stability. A stronger core helps me feel more controlled during exercises like squats, Romanian deadlifts, and lunges. It also supports better posture, which is especially important when you spend a lot of time working at a desk, like I do.

I also find that core training helps support my running. When my core is strong, I feel more efficient and stable during longer runs, particularly as fatigue starts to set in.

The good news is that core training does not need to mean endless crunches. There are so many effective core strength exercises that challenge stability, control, and coordination.

I usually train my core 1–2 times a week. Sometimes I include it at the end of a strength session as a short finisher, and other times it will be included as a superset within the session. For me, consistency matters far more than complexity.

My Go-To Core Exercises

These are the core exercises I come back to again and again:

• V-sit-ups
• Hollow holds
• Lying leg raises
• Side planks
• Toe taps
• Kettlebell standing marches

For most people, training your core 1–3 times per week is enough to make progress, especially when combined with strength training and other compound movements that already challenge your core. A simple core session could include 3 rounds of 10–15 reps per exercise, with holds such as hollow holds and side planks performed for 20–45 seconds each.

The key is focusing on quality over quantity – controlled reps, steady breathing, and maintaining good form will make these exercises far more effective than rushing through them. As your strength improves, you can gradually increase your reps, extend your hold times, or add resistance to continue challenging your core.

Extra Core Exercises I Love 

I like to keep my training interesting by mixing in different styles of core work throughout the year. Some of my favourites include Pilates-inspired movements, weighted Russian twists, stability exercises using a gym ball, hanging leg raises in the gym, and banded Pallof presses. 

My advice is to experiment and find movements you genuinely enjoy. The best core workout is always the one you will consistently do. 

Cardio: How I Get Mine In 

When it comes to cardio, I take a flexible approach. I enjoy incline walks, HYROX–style conditioning workouts, long walks, running, and the occasional StairMaster session. Some weeks I include structured cardio workouts, while other weeks I simply focus on staying active and increasing my daily movement. 

I typically include cardio 1–3 times per week depending on my goals. When training for an event, I increase my running volume. During busier periods, I might opt for lower-impact cardio ideas such as walking instead. I’m currently training for my second HYROX, so HYROX workouts and running are my cardio choices at the moment. 

The key is finding forms of cardio you actually enjoy. When you enjoy it, consistency becomes much easier. 

How I Structure Core and Cardio Together 

Most often, I include core work after a strength training session and save longer cardio sessions for separate days. For example, I might finish an upper-body workout with ten minutes of core training, then complete a long run later in the week. 

Sometimes, if I am short on time, I will combine a quick core circuit with an incline walk. It is simple, effective, and easy to fit into a busy schedule. 

Recovery and Consistency 

Recovery is a huge part of any successful training routine. I prioritise sleep, hydration, and eating enough protein to support recovery and performance. I also listen to my body and adjust my training when needed.  

Progress does not come from pushing hard every single day. It comes from balancing effort with recovery and building habits you can sustain long term. 

Key Takeaways 

Core training is an important part of building overall strength, stability, posture, and confidence in everyday movement. Cardio does not have to look the same for everyone, and it can include anything from running and conditioning workouts to walking and other forms of movement that you genuinely enjoy.   

Progress does not require complicated routines or constantly changing workouts; it comes from staying consistent with simple, effective habits over time. The biggest factor in creating a sustainable fitness routine is finding activities you enjoy, balancing training with recovery, and making small improvements that build into long-term results.