Feel the Burn Thursday

Hey, beautiful ladies!
Hope you're making it a great day. 
What workouts have you been up to this week?

I've been thinking about core-strengthening work I can do, since a strong core is key to running, yoga, well...everything active actually!  http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=4159

"The key to the requisite lithe footwork of trail running is a strong and supple core because the abdominal and lower back muscles are the essential centerpiece of the gyroscope that allows for balance and resilience. The core forms the foundation for posture, back support, and stability, and assists in absorbing the impact of descents...Most systems, Tai Chi, aikido, yoga, agree that the reservoir of vital energy is in the pelvis—the location of the intersection of most of these core muscles; so spending time cultivating the balance between the muscles that are built for short quick actions and those designed to sustain activity over long periods of time (core muscles) will support the body in tapping in to this deeper energy store as well as providing greater stability and sure-footedness that is essential for successful trail running." "

A strong core keeps your body in efficient alignment when running, not wasting energy, giving you extra umph & endurance.  What are your favorite core strengthening ideas?  How do YOU strengthen your core?

Also, have you heard that working your butt & thighs will burn more calories (larger muscles) than working other smaller muscle groups?  I had & this article http://caloriecount.about.com/muscles-burn-most-calories-q13611 points out the idea behind that, but I like that it qualifies the rumor by saying it's best to work out balancedly (I made that word up, like it?), putting equal emphasis on upper body & lower body. 

"... the large muscles of the thighs, butt and legs burn a lot of calories when they work. In fact, exercises that use the large muscles of the body in a continuous, rhythmical fashion and increase the heart rate, such as walking, jogging, stair climbing and speed-skating, burn more calories compared to other forms of exercise. But building up your lower body to burn more calories at rest is another issue and of less concern. Unless you are training for a specific sport, the best strength-training program is one that balances the upper and lower body. Be more concerned with burning calories through activity than at rest."

But here's something to try incorporating into this week & weekend's workouts!!!  Have any of you ever tried stair climbing as a workout?