A recent buzzword in the fitness world over the past few years has been core training.  Core training, however, is not new.  The concept of core training is pretty ancient: yoga, pilates, and martial arts all focus on core strength.  The core is simply the center of the body, the core area of the torso or trunk; your center of gravity.  Since your core is where all movement in your body originates, having a strong core is essential to functional health and wellness affecting posture, balance and coordinated movement.

In order to strengthen your core muscles, it’s necessary for you to understand what it is and how to strengthen it.

Understanding Core Strength/The Pillar of The Body
Mark Verstegen, sports-performance expert, in his invaluable book, Core Performance, calls the torso the pillar and likens the core to the hub of a wheel where the limbs are the spokes.  He goes on to say that,

“Pillar strength is the foundation of movement and consists of core, hip, and shoulder stability.  If you lack pillar strength, specifically hip stability, the energy leaks out at the hip and the body must compensate.  More pressure is placed down toward the knees and up toward the lower back, which over time can cause degenerative problems.”

The core muscles lie deep within the torso and opposed to isolating a specific joint as in weight lifting, stabilizing the core focuses on working these deep muscles of the entire torso at once.  Abdominal bracing is the primary technique used during core exercise training, referring to the contraction of the abdominal muscles.

In order to brace correctly, the navel is pulled back in toward the spine.  Doing so recruits the transverse abdominus.  Be careful though not to hold your breath, you should be able to breathe evenly while bracing.

Benefits of Core Strength
o  A more stable center of gravity
o  Increased protection for your back
o  Controlled movement and balance
o  Improved posture

A weak core will make you more inclined to having poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries.  Stabilizing the core will help you to use your body in ways it has never been used before and will result in a stronger, more functional frame.