Our core is really
our core
The last 10 years or so “the core” has been on every Personal Trainers “need to
include”-list. You may know that your core is somewhere in the middle of your
body,and that it is pretty important for you to be able to stand up. But many
of us see “the core” as the “six-pack”, and don’t realize how many muscles are
part of the core and how important they all are in functional movments. The
major core muscles also stabilize the thorax and the pelvis during dynamic
movements and it also provides internal pressure to expel substances (vomit,
feces, carbon-laden air etc.).
Major muscles included are the pelvic floor muscles,
which provides support to hold the pelvis and addominal organs in place,
transversus abdominis wraps around your torso like a big belt and draws the
abdomen in and stabilizes the spine. Retus abdominis are your “six-pack”
muscles that runs from your sternum to your pelvlic bone and assists your body
in bending back and standing up. Some of your back muscles are considered as
part of the core since they support your abs while sitting and bending.
Along the side of your torso you have external and
internal obliques, the internal runs from your hips towards your sternum and
ribs. The external obliques run from your ribs towards your hips, and they
stabilize the abdomen and assist with breathing. They are also important
muscles for twisting and bending side to side.
Strong core muscles makes everyday life easier,
everything from bending down to tie your shoes, getting a cup from the shelf to
walking up the stairs. Weak core muscles leave you more susceptible to
injuries, poor posture and back problems.
I hope this gave you a bit more understanding why it is so important to
include different ab exercises in your exercise routine and not only do 100
sit-up per day.
Yours in Health & Fitness,
Birgitta
Yours in Health & Fitness,
