Sunday 1 June 2014


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