Building from 0 core strength / coordination#1787

Wanting to exrecise and do calisthenics but my core strength is too weak. I am unable to engage my core and am looking for the easiest starting point for core strength. What is the easiest possible exercise I can start with and how do I progress to the point where I can start doing push ups or pull ups (even the easier versions) (I have lower back / abdominal pain when doing these currently). For example, if I start with something like heel slides (or even easier if it exists), at what point do I move to the next exercise and what would that be, and so on until I can plank, which i guess is what would be required for push ups. And how do I still take deep breaths while engaging my core. I feel I am unable to do this at all, and when I try to engage my core it just feels wrong?

Hey. This is Chrys, one of the trainers at Hybrid.

Yeah, I’d start way easier. If pushups and pullups are causing lower back or abdominal pain right now, start with very basic core work like gentle bracing, then heel slides if that feels okay.

The main thing is not squeezing your core super hard. It should be a light brace while still breathing normally. If you have to hold your breath, you’re probably overdoing it.

Once heel slides feel controlled and do not cause pain, then you can move to slightly harder stuff like marches, dead bug progressions, and eventually easier plank variations. Basically, only move up when the current one feels solid and does not flare things up

Sounds good, thanks.