What's All the Hype About Core Strength?

Most people think that core strength is all about a six pack. Six pack abs are nice but they are purely cosmetic, right? So they dismiss the importance of having core strength altogether. What's the big deal anyway? It's not like most people will be fitness magazine cover models.

Core Strength Myth

You need to have a six pack in order to have a strong core.

Fact

While many may find washboard abs aesthetically appealing this state of eye-candy is a result of diet, not training alone. Such low body fat percentage is not necessary or even indicative of core strength.

Core Strength Myth

Core strength is something that only professional level athletes need.

Fact

Everyone will gain tremendous benefit from strengthening their core. These benefits include improved ease performing day-to-day activities as well as improved athletic performance. Core strengthening also decreases the incidence of common injuries from day-to-day activities.

Core Strength Myth

It would take many months of intense work in the weight room for me to get my core in shape.

Fact

There are a host of varied activities that one could engage in to greatly improve their core strength in a relatively short period of time.

The body's core is comprised of an entire network of muscles. These muscles run the length of the torso and trunk. When they are actively engaged they stabilize the shoulders, pelvis and spine. These muscles provide a solid base for movement in the extremities. They allow the body to stand upright and walk on two feet. The only time we are not engaging most our core is when we are laying down resting.

All of our power and energy comes from our core, hence the analogy of the weakest link. Whether you are in the kitchen preparing a meal for your family or playing toss with your kids, lifting and carrying groceries or getting baby to and from a pediatric appointment, whether you have back pain from weak abdominal muscles or want to perfect your golf/tennis swing you will benefit greatly from increasing strength in this area of your body. The additional heightened stability and balance that comes with core strengthening becomes increasingly important as the body ages. You will greatly reduce the occurrence of many injuries from common everyday activities when you strengthen your core.

Three Activities that Improve Core Strength

1. Aquatics: Any movement in the water will increase core strength as you have to fight the resistance of the water to remain upright. Many gyms have classes. Even if you don't take a class the simple action of walking laps while moving your arms to increase resistance will yield a very beneficial core strengthening work out while simultaneously increasing cardiovascular strength.

2. Use of various apparatuses in the gym: Adding a stability ball, bosu ball, bands, etc to your regular weighted workouts to destabilize your body will also give the added benefit of focusing on core strengthening.

3. Yoga: This activity requires no additional weight or special equipment. All you need is your body, a mat (if you prefer) and an instructional DVD or class at the gym or studio.