What is Core Training? Why should I strengthen my Core?
What is Core Training? Why should I strengthen my Core?
By: Machelle Lee
What is all the hype about "core" training?
And - more importantly - why should you care?
Training your core will result in tremendous benefits in a relatively short
amount of time. This is because a strong core improves your posture, decreases
your chance of injury, increases your power and functionality, and gives you a
great-looking lean midsection.
Core training is rapidly gaining popularity for one specific reason: sitting
leads to a weak core.
Think about your typical work day. If you are like most people then your day
starts with a 30-60 minute drive to work, followed by 8 hours at your desk and
then another 30-60 minute drive home. That's a lot of sitting. And it all adds
up to one thing: a weak core.
What is Core Training?
The term "core" refers to the muscles of your abdominals and those of your lower
back. If you picture your body and then aim for the very center you would be
looking directly at your core. The muscles that make up the core play a unique
role since they provide stabilization for your entire body.
Core training seeks to strengthen the muscles of your abdominal and lower back
using coordinated movement. A strong focus is put on contracting your abdominal
muscles by pulling your belly button in! toward your spine throughout the
exercises to ensure that your core muscles are engaged.
What are the risks of a weak Core?
Unfortunately many ailments stem from having weak core muscles. You may be
personally acquainted with the most common ailment...lower back pain. Other
problems include poor posture, being injury prone, having minimal strength and
(drum roll please) a bulging waistline.
What are the benefits of a strong Core?
Alleviating persistent back pain is one of the most welcomed benefits of a
strong core. An increase in strength and protection from injury are also nice,
and who doesn't love to lose inches from their waist as a result of tightened
muscle?
Everyday motions such as lifting, squatting, reaching, twisting and bending will
become less challenging after strengthening your core. While you may not
immediately see the value in this, remember that it is better to be safe than
sorry - who really wants to throw out their back while taking out the trash.
How can I strengthen my Core?
A great place to start is to practice the technique mentioned earlier - pull
your belly button in toward your spine, not by simply sucking in your gut, but
by contracting your abdominals. Do you feel it? Good. Now make it a habit to do
this exercise while you sit. Like on the drive to work...at work...on the drive
home - you get the idea.
It doesn't stop there - you also want to routinely exercise the muscles of your
abdominals and lower back. This can be done by performing exercises that target
these specific areas such as crunches and bridges.
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