The term “strong core” is having a moment, and I am here for it! For years we obsessed about six-pack abs, losing belly fat, and getting definition in your midsection. Now (thankfully), we are much more focused on getting a strong core. Sure, we still see ads for corset-like waist trainers and supplements promising to burn belly fat (which don’t work, BTW), but most trainers out there (like me!) are encouraging you to think and work towards a stronger and more functional core. 

 

While I’m grateful, the fitness industry has shifted its narrative towards strength and function, talking about core training and what it actually means can get confusing. Many of us want to tone and sculpt our abs (and that’s okay!), but having a strong core has many benefits beyond the aesthetic! Let’s break it down and get to the core of the issue (see what I did there?)

 

What do we mean by CORE? 

 

Our core is the literal center of our body, where all movement begins and ends. Our core’s main job is stabilizing the spine as we move through our arms, legs, and torso. When we hear the word core, we often think about the abdominals, but our core muscles include our obliques, pelvic floor, back, hips, glutes, and diaphragm. We train our core through ab exercises with flexion, extension, and rotation of the spine, but also with stabilization and balance. 

 

Are there multiple benefits to having a strong core? Of core-se (get it?) 

 

Am I breaking down my top five right here? Ab-solutely (okay, I’ll stop). 

 

Better posture

 

Strengthening our core muscles can improve and maintain good posture by helping to stabilize the spine and maintain good alignment. When our core is weak, we don’t have the support and stability to support good posture, which can lead to back pain or tightness. With a strong core to support and stabilize your spine, you’ll stand taller with better posture. This also helps us counteract the many hours of sitting at a computer or in a car that we do. 

 

Reduced risk of injury

 

Strong core muscles not only help prevent back pain and tightness but can also reduce your risk of injury. Strengthening our midsection will improve balance and agility, helping prevent falls. And if you do take a fall, your body is better equipped to handle the impact. A strong center means stronger movement overall, reducing risks of strains and sprains from working out or daily activities. 

 

Improved power and strength 

 

You’ve probably heard me say, “Zip up your core!” There’s a good reason. Starting with a strong solid foundation helps us move more efficiently, resulting in more power output and more muscle engagement. We generate power from our core and can lift heavier and more efficiently with a strong center. Not to mention, we have a lot more body awareness and engagement when moving from the inside out. 

 

Better balance and stability

 

The core muscles help to maintain your body’s center of gravity, allowing you to maintain balance during physical activity, whether it’s running, jumping, or lifting during a workout or just simply standing or sitting. A stable spine is a healthy spine, and a stable body is a strong body!

 

Fewer aches and pains 

 

It doesn’t just help back pain! A strengthened core helps us move better through our hips, knees, ankles, torso, and shoulders, preventing and improving tightness and tension that can lead to pain. When we are stronger through our abdominals and the surrounding muscles, we are less likely to have imbalances, overcompensation, or other movement patterns that cause pain. Core strength has been shown to improve flexibility and mobility as well. When we move better, we feel better! 

 

Sure, core strength is trending, but I promise it’s not just a trend! And good news we’re talking (and working) our core muscles in depth next month with the return of ABSOLUTION!  That’s right, our second most popular challenge is making a comeback (again!), and we will reap all the benefits listed above and more with specific and international training for a strong core! 

 

Get excited!