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One of the hot buzzwords flying these days is 'core strength.'
While dancers and athletes have long known the advantages of having
a strong torso, the idea of core strength is only now trickling
down to the rest of us.
So what is core strength and why should you worry about it? One
reason is this: all of our movements are powered by our torsos--the
abs and back work together to support the spine when we sit, stand,
bend over, pick things up, exercise and more. The torso is the body's
center of power, so the stronger you are in that area, the easier
your daily activities will be.
What is the Core?
When someone talks about the core, they're referring to all of
the muscles that deep within the abs and back, attaching to the
spine or pelvis.
These muscles are where movement originates and it's also the source
of our stability. Whether you're running, lifting weights or picking
up your toddler, these 'core' muscles help keep your body stable
and balanced.
With this focus on core strength, the fitness industry has moved
towards training the body as a whole, rather than focusing on separate
muscle groups. This means incorporating torso training throughout
your workout, rather than just doing the usual standard crunches.
This type of functional training can be seen everywhere as more
people use things like stability balls and wobble boards in their
regular workouts.
Core training has many benefits including:
- More functional workouts that translate into daily life activities
Improved performance in sports
- Reduction in the risk of injury
- Better ability to function each day
- Interesting workouts that challenge you in new and different
ways
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