The Importance Of Your Core

by Greg

Core training and abs training are often viewed as the same thing but you can’t just look at the abdominals if you truly want true core strength.

The abs are very in there movement and actions, you core actually consists of a whole group of muscles that run along your whole body,

There main aim is to keep the spine, hips and shoulders stabilized and to build a base for you to be able move safely. 

If you are looking at improving your core strength, you need to work on all of these muscles.

If you think of your core, its really the foundation that gives the body a base to move, shift your weight, stand upright ….and give you a great set of abs.

However, a great set of abs without a strong core is a recipe for disaster.

So what is your core made up from? Interestingly enough, experts tend to disagree whats included and whats excluded, but here is a list of the more common groups.

If the goal of your core is to keep a solid base to transfer energy , these are the muscles that accomplish that goal.

Rectus Abdominis – This is the one you were probably looking for when you got here. It’s the stomach muscles in the front , more commonly known as you six pack abs. This muscle helps flex the spinal column.

External Obliques – These are located on your sides and you front. You you that fantastic V some very lean individuals have, that’s the external obliques. These allow the flexing of the spine, rotation of your body and the ability to bend sideways.

Internal Obliques – These are deep muscles under the external obliques. They assist the external obliques with the same movements.

Hip Flexors – these are a group of muscles that bring your leg and your torso together. Although they aren’t really abs muscles they enable movement during all abdominal exercises.

Erector Spinae – These muscles start at your neck and run down to your lower back.

Multifidus – This muscle is used to extend and twist your spine

Transverse Abdominis – This muscle is the deepest part of your core and wraps itself around your spine to give you that stable base. It also helps you to breath and keep all your organs in place.




Other muscles that are included

Gluteus medius and minimus
Gluteus maximus,
Hamstring,
Piriformus,
Hip Adductors



Usually when someone has a strong back, the abs get all the credit for it but in actual fact, you need your whole core to be strong to maintain good posture and reduce back pain.

Because we are talking about a large set of muscles that allows for stabilization of the whole body, a strong core also allows for powerful physical movements. Every movement you will do will originate in your core and move outward to your arms or legs.

Before your legs or arms can risk moving, you body needs to ensure that your spine is 100% stable. The stronger your core, the more powerfully your legs are arms can contract.

It doesn’t just help with powerful movements. Core training can assist with correcting imbalances that could lead to injuries. This type of training is called functional training – essentially getting your body to function more effectively in its daily activities.