The internet is full of information about core conditioning and the importance of good core strength, achievable by a solid and consistent routine of core strengthening exercises:

Runner’s World magazine has a short but useful beginner’s training guide to starting core conditioning exercises here.

About.com’s Sports Medicine section has a longer, very informative article on not only the benefits of core conditioning, but also a handy list (with corresponding links for more extensive information) of core muscles and muscle groups, as well as suggested exercises and equipment and a handy list of further suggested reading.

Another illustrated About.com guide conveniently introduces a “Quick Core Workout Routine,” very accessible for the beginner who wants to improve his or her core strength. Since the “plank” is such an easy but prominent and very useful exercise when it comes to core conditioning, you should also check out this guide to the classic plank as well as its variations.

One of the easiest ways to exercise and strengthen the core involve equipment as simple, cheap and commonly available as an exercise ball. There are variations of the plank, as well as other useful core strengthening exercises that can be performed using the exercise ball, and a useful illustrated beginner’s guide to these can be found here.

A guide to core conditioning exercises and routines tailored specifically to runners and their unique needs can be found on distance runner coach Pete Pfitzinger’s website.

If you’d like to read a more in-depth article about Pilates, one of the most popular exercise programs in the world today (see also “Core Pilates” on this website), be sure to check out this extensive introduction to the benefits, history and methods of Pilates!