Trunk flexion, trunk extension, lateral trunk flexion, compression of the abdomen and spinal stability are all happening thanks to our core. In that sense, core strength is a must to optimize body movements.
The primary muscles composing the core are: Erector spinae, Rectus abdominis, internal and external Obliques, Transverse abdominis and Multifidi.
Simply put: core muscles are like the 4 walls of a house, they represent its fondations.
From mopping the kitchen floor to bending to put on a shoe. Or from holding a good posture when sitting down at desk, to the strength transfer while olympic lifting… The core is fundamental in countless body postures and movements.
But why is is that important to develop core strength? We were’nt born with a 6 packs after all.
First of all, core strength has NOTHING to do with a 6 packs (which by the way, is just the appearance of a singular muscle: the rectus abdominis) and shredded abs. A strengthened core is about making many of our everyday life movements safer, healthier and more powerful.
Desk jobs, computer use, watching tv and similar sitting situations are part of most people’s lives. The problem is that it can make back muscles surprisingly stiff and sore, particularly if you’re not strong enough to practice good posture and aren’t taking enough breaks.
A strong and engaged core will:
• Alleviate back pain: An aligned and upright body will make you less prone to back strain. When the core is strong enough to hold the body in a healthy position, other muscles don’t have to come in and do the work. On the other side, if your core is weak, your body will try to compensate by overworking other muscles. And it also often leads to overly pressured and stretched intervertebral discs and ligaments.
• Improve balance and stability: Because as mentioned above, the core muscles are engaged in every move, they form a connective chain with every muscle of the body. The core is literally where every move we make originates its efficiency, making it the essence of body balance and stability.
Engaging your core in both training and your everyday tasks, will directly change your body’s mechanism. A strong and engaged core will help you to stand nice and tall, with opened shoulders. It will also help in conserving the natural lumbar curve, rebalancing anterior and posterior pelvic tilt, and maintaining a healthy pelvic floor.
A strong core will allow muscles to work together to support the body. Resulting in being less susceptible to body imbalances, leading to compensation issues, along with muscle and joints injuries.
There are many ways and exercises to get a strong core. To give you some perspective, find just below one of my favorite core workout! 😉
Efficiency, consistency, and recurrency are the key components to gain results and improvment in your corecern.