You know that nagging phrase we’ve all heard by our parents growing up, “Now sit up straight!” I bet it didn’t mean much to you as a kid and you hated hearing it, but your parents were right trying to correct you.
Posture is a part of a strong core, but there is so much more to what a strong core does than just good posture. Did you know, having a strong core is essential for a functional life and possible longer lifespan. When you hear the words “strong core,” what is the most common thought you have? You most likely automatically think of defined, sexy abs, right? But, the anatomy of the core is more than just a sexy six pack and it’s more than just ab training.
Having a strong core provides more than your posture, it’s a stable foundation for the body, in ways such as improving balance, breathing, digestion and reducing the risk of falls.
Here are the muscle groups of the core:
- Back
- Pelvic Floor
- Spine
- Glutes
- Diaphragm
Many people think that core strengthening means just doing ab workouts, but it also means training your hips, your back, your glutes and learning how to stabilize the core musculature. That’s where the other muscle groups that were listed above come into play. Here’s a few reasons why having a strong core is essential:
Injury Prevention—Core muscles protect the spine and internal organs from impact and injury during physical activities.
Improved Breathing—The diaphragm is a core muscle and plays a vital role in breathing. A strong core can improve lung function so you can breathe more efficiently.
Easier Everyday Movements—Core muscles are involved in everyday tasks such as bending, lifting, and sitting. A strong core makes these movements easier with less effort.
Improved Digestion—Core muscles help compress the abdominal cavity, which helps better digestion.
Balance and Stability—Core strength is essential for maintaining balance and stability. Allowing you to perform movements with greater control like climbing stairs and holding heavy objects while reducing the risk of falls.
If you are a beginner to core strengthening, then start slowly and gradually. It is important to start at your level and not overtrain, because you want to avoid irritating a muscle or injure yourself. Increase the level of the exercises as you get stronger.
Here are a few tips:
- Focus on slow, controlled movements.
- Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the exercise.
- Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise.
- Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain.
- Always stretch after your core training.
Ashley LaMorte is a nationally certified fitness instructor and has been in the fitness industry close to a decade. Over the years, she has gotten the opportunity to instruct group X boot camps at gyms and train private clients from all walks of life, all over the Bay Area. She now has her own mobile fitness business LaMorte Lift. Learn more at LaMorteLift.com.
