‘Core strength’ has recently become quite the buzzword for most people discussing their exercise and workout routines.  However, dancers and athletes have long known the advantages of having a strong torso.  The importance of core strength stems from the fact that it leads to good health and also forms a crucial component of most sporting activities.  Core stability implies good posture, a flat abdominal region and a strong healthy back.  For any sportsperson and athlete, it means having the strength and control that allows them to perform their sport to the best of their abilities.

What constitutes the core? Very often the ‘core’ is assumed to mean only the abdominal region in one’s body.  The core or the centre of the body is actually made up of the muscles of the back, abdominals and thighs, which stabilise the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle.  All our movements originate from our torso or the core region, whether we are sitting, standing, bending, picking up things or exercising.  So it stands to reason that the core is the centre of power in our bodies and the stronger we are in this area the easier our daily activities and lives will be. 

The goal of core stability is to maintain a solid foundation and transfer energy from the centre of the body out to the limbs. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back.  Strengthening the core allows for optimal body alignment for any movement and action that you are engaged in, which in turn ensures lesser fatigue as a result of better posture and form.

However, our current lifestyles, be it our stressful work schedules or sedentary lives filled with modern conveniences, has resulted in weakened muscle and joint systems due to lack of use and exercise.  This reduced core stability has lead to problems relating to poor posture and a weak spine.

Strengthening

Unlike weight-training exercises that tend to work muscles in isolation, core strengthening involves focusing on stability exercises that work the torso as a unit.  This means working the deep muscles of the entire torso at the same time, using multi-joint coordinated movements.

On the gym floor, resistance or strength machines, stability balls, wobble boards and mat exercises can be used to strengthen your core.  Outside of the gym, Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi are very effective workouts for building core strength. 

Pilates has gained tremendous popularity because of its focus on the core, also referred to as the body’s ‘powerhouse’.  Core training must be done under the guidance of trained professionals. 

The author is a certified                 fitness instructor and can be contacted at 25529366