Core. What is your core? What does your core do?

Many people when they hear the words core exercises think that they are going to be doing ab exercises (exercises for the belly). This is only partially correct. I prefer to use the term trunk rather than core as it gives a better picture. The core or trunk is your body minus the arms and legs. The core consists of groups of muscles. Abdominal muscles are included in the core. These groups of muscles that make up the core generate power and stability.

Many think that doing endless crunches and sit ups will give them that 6-pack they so desire. Crunches & sit ups can be harmful to your spine. There are many other core exercises that are safe & effective. Weak or poorly controlled core muscles have been associated with low back pain. In order to keep our spine safe during movement, we must be able to stabilize the trunk. As we develop a strong trunk, we can then produce force. You don’t want to add load until you are stable.

Now we know what core is… the trunk of the body that consists of groups of muscles including the abdominal muscles.

Now we know what the core or trunk does…stabilizes the spine and produces power.

When strength training the core or trunk… we want to target all the core muscle groups, not just the abdominals.

Here are some great core exercises to get you started. They can be done at home, on the floor & no equipment is required! Bird Dogs, Bridge, Clams, Dead Bugs & Planks. Do CAREFUL research or contact me for more details.

Move more to feel better.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way & I can find a way that works well for you :)

kandice@persona.ca