Core Training Basics
Core stability training is a type of strength training. It works the muscles at the center of your body. Added benefits of core stability training can be increased flexibility and balance.
The core of your body - the area around your trunk - is where your center of gravity is located. Your body's core links together your upper body and lower body. When you have good core stability the 29 muscles in your abdomen, pelvis, lower back and hips work together.
Your core is your body's foundation. Core muscles stabilize the rest of your body and provide support to your spine, whether you're moving, standing or sitting.
Developing a strong, solid core gives you increased balance, controlled movement and a stable center of gravity that will help you improve performance. A strong core can significantly improve your athletic ability. It's the common link between your lower body, where forces are generated, and your upper body, where foreces are applied by the upper limbs. For example, with a strong core you'll be better able to hit a golf ball, swing a bat, throw a softball, serve a tennis ball, shoot a basketball, and play with your children or grandchildren.
A strong core can also combat poor posture and low back pain, especially as you get older.
For many, the prevention of low back pain may be the most compelling reason for exercising core muscles. As a result of sedentary lifestyles, it's estimated that 60% to 80% of Americans will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. 70% to 90% of these people will develop significant back problems. Core exercises can help prevent and treat this problem!
Target your core muscles as part of your overall fitness program. While regular aerobic and strength training exercises are also important, most of these exercises focus on arm and leg strength without necessarily building a strong foundation of core stability. Exercises aimed at firming your abdomen, such as crunches, don't always reach the deep core muscles.
Illustrated below is the "Plank" one of the best of the core exercises:
The core of your body - the area around your trunk - is where your center of gravity is located. Your body's core links together your upper body and lower body. When you have good core stability the 29 muscles in your abdomen, pelvis, lower back and hips work together.
Your core is your body's foundation. Core muscles stabilize the rest of your body and provide support to your spine, whether you're moving, standing or sitting.
Developing a strong, solid core gives you increased balance, controlled movement and a stable center of gravity that will help you improve performance. A strong core can significantly improve your athletic ability. It's the common link between your lower body, where forces are generated, and your upper body, where foreces are applied by the upper limbs. For example, with a strong core you'll be better able to hit a golf ball, swing a bat, throw a softball, serve a tennis ball, shoot a basketball, and play with your children or grandchildren.
A strong core can also combat poor posture and low back pain, especially as you get older.
For many, the prevention of low back pain may be the most compelling reason for exercising core muscles. As a result of sedentary lifestyles, it's estimated that 60% to 80% of Americans will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetime. 70% to 90% of these people will develop significant back problems. Core exercises can help prevent and treat this problem!
Target your core muscles as part of your overall fitness program. While regular aerobic and strength training exercises are also important, most of these exercises focus on arm and leg strength without necessarily building a strong foundation of core stability. Exercises aimed at firming your abdomen, such as crunches, don't always reach the deep core muscles.
Illustrated below is the "Plank" one of the best of the core exercises:
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