What is the core?

The core consists of the muscles in your midsection, or torso, surrounding the spine and pelvis. This includes the abdominal muscles at the front, but also muscles within the lower back, and around your sides.The core muscles are not considered powerful, but they play a fundamental role in stabilising the spine and pelvis. They’re also key to maintaining good posture.

These functions are important to ensure you can move your limbs easily. Your core also protects you against injury people with a weaker core are more likely to sustain a back injury. Core muscle strengthening is often an important part of rehabilitation after a back injury.

We use our core muscles while performing daily tasks like getting up from a chair, standing, walking, vacuuming and lifting things. The core muscles are also important for athletic activities like running, jumping, tackling and lifting weights. The core is at the center of your body, it encompasses your abs, hips, back, and chest. Your core stabilizes your body, allowing you to move in any direction as well as having proper balance. It helps prevents falls and supports your body. So having a strong core is beneficial to everyone because it allows your body to function properly.

Importance of working core muscle :

Improved Balance and Stability : Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work together. This leads to better balance and stability making daily activities such as walking, running, and sitting much easier. A strong core will consist of muscles that work together to support your body. This will make you less susceptible to injuries, keeping your body aligned and minimizing strain on your muscles and joints.

A strong core engages the pelvis, lower back and hips to collaborate better and provide balance and stability to the body. Daily activities such as walking, running, and sitting are made more efficient with a strong core as your body’s alignment improves with a strong core and strain on your muscles and joints is also reduced as a result of that .Doing core strengthening exercises can improve your balance. 

Improves performance : As a strong and toned core improves stability, your legs and upper body synchronize better when performing workouts or playing sports. A well-balanced body is also less susceptible to falling down, thereby reducing the chances of direct injuries or soreness. A strong core also helps in minimizing the impact on muscles while exercising, meaning that you will be able to do heavy thrust movements more easily.

Burns fat : Core strengthening and toning exercises are a great way to burn abdominal, side and leg fat quickly. Core exercises let you practice ballistic movements that combine strength, cardio, and flexibility training, thereby helping you build strength, get lean and burn fat.

Reduces risk of back injuries : An aligned and upright body will make you less prone to have back injuries and pain. Core muscles are at the center of your body, supporting the neck, back muscles and spine. A strong core will reduce the pressure off your back muscles to work extra hard to support your body, reducing muscle strains, risk of injury and back pain .

Promote Better Breathing : Another benefit of core exercises is improved lung capacity. Core muscles are connected to the diaphragm so working out these muscle groups will enhance one's ability to inhale and exhale fully. If the body is able to take in more oxygen, the heart is able to pump more blood, so there will be a significant improvement in the overall performance of the body.

Improves posture : A good posture is important to reduce the impact of everyday wear and tear on your spine and also helps you breathe better by ensuring that oxygen reaches your muscles efficiently. Strengthening core muscles will help straighten the position of your spine, and stretching your back to align your posture appropriately.

Core strengthening exercises such as planks, bridge pose and crunches will help you get those toned abs and obliques. A balanced nutritious diet to supplement your workout will add to your core’s strength.

Eliminates Back Pain :  A body that is aligned and upright will make you less prone to have back pain. A person’s core is at the center of their body which supports your entire body especially the neck and the back. If a core is not strengthened then other structures of your back will have to work harder to support the body. This leads to muscle strains and back pain.

Enhance Flexibility : While most people find it hard to believe that working out abdominal muscles can improve flexibility, core exercises can certainly do wonders for ligaments and muscles by stabilizing the lower back. When the back is stabilized, stress and tension are removed, thus allowing for greater range of motion, which in turn results in enhanced flexibility.

The muscles of the core are built for endurance, not for maximum strength, so it’s best to increase reps as strength improves. Finally, working with a fitness professional to help ensure safety and proper technique is recommended to help develop a core stability program that will deliver positive results.