When you think of core strength, do you picture six-pack abs and endless amounts of sit-ups? Then it’s time we change your perspective. A strong core goes way beyond that. Your core is more than just abdominal muscles; it includes the muscles in your back, sides, pelvis, and butt. They’re the muscles that allow you to reach, bend, and move freely. Everything from daily tasks like tying your shoelaces and cleaning, to heavy weight lifting and athletic exercises all require your core muscles. The stronger they are, the better you’ll perform.
Let's look at what makes up your core:
1. Rectus Abdominis (RA)
This is what people mean when they use the term “six pack.” Made up of 8 distinct muscle bellies, its runs vertically down the midsection from the chest to the pelvis.
2. External Oblique
Commonly known as "side abs". There are two types, the external and internal. External obliques are on both sides of the RA and are the largest of the ab muscles.
3. Internal Obliques
Internal Obliques are located directly below the RA and sit inside your hip bones. They help control movement and twisting and turning.
4. Transverse Abdominis
This is the deepest of your ab muscles. It’s located underneath your RA and obliques. It is critical to holding your entire abdominal structure together.
Having a strong core can have a positive impact on your physical wellbeing as a whole.
Benefits of a strong core include:
Less Back Pain
When you train your core, your lower back also gets stronger and healthier. Making you less likely to suffer from back pain. Core strength is also extremely important when it comes to weight lifting. A strong core protects your back muscles, which lowers the chances of an injury occurring.
Run faster
Core strength is extra important for runners. Your core muscles keep your torso upright when you run and allows the pelvis, hips and lower back to work together more smoothly. Because your arms and legs are all connected to the core, the stronger your torso, the stronger your limbs.
Enhance flexibility
Core exercises stabilize the lower back which is extremely helpful your ligaments and muscles. With a stabilized back, stress and tension are removed, implying a greater range of motion and enhanced flexibility.
Improve balance, coordination, posture and brain power
As the back and abdominal area becomes stronger, the body’s balance and coordination also improves. When you do core exercises it stimulates your cerebellum which affects coordination, spatial awareness and balance. These exercises are not only a workout for your body, but also for your brain. So if you’re into sports which require good hand-eye coordination – like baseball, basketball, football or tennis, it’s worth it to work on those abdominal muscles. What’s more, a strong core helps keep you steady on your feet. And that’s critical because it can help you stay independent by preventing debilitating falls.
Check out this article for core workouts you can do to strengthen your abdominals!
