For one of my goals this month, I’m working on completing Matty’s Summer Crunch core challenge on Peloton. So far, it has been a great way for me to return to consistent core work. While many instantly think of 6-pack abs when they think about core exercises, a strong core is really about much more than the aesthetics of flat abs.
Your core is actually a whole series of muscles including pelvic floor muscles, diaphragm, internal and external obliques, transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, multifidus, erector spinae, and glutes. This complex set of muscles are your body’s powerhouse and key to all movement.
So for today’s Fit Five Friday, I’m sharing five reasons to focus on strengthening your core.
Five Reasons to Focus on Strengthening Your Core
Enhanced stability and balance — When you strengthen your core, you engage the pelvis, lower back, and hips to work in better coordination, providing both balance and stability, and minimizing the risk of falling.
Improved running efficiency — In addition to enhanced stability and balance, when these muscles are moving smoothly in sync, you expend less energy, which can help your running efficiency.
Improved posture — Strong core muscles stabilize the torso, and help you to remain upright. Maintaining good posture, in turn, reduces strain on both your muscles and joints and can be especially important for runners in the later stages of a race or long run, when fatigue sets in and running form may start to suffer.
Reduced risk of back injuries — Without a strong core, you are asking your back to work harder to support your body, which can lead to muscle strain and back pain.
Everyday movement — From carrying groceries to pulling weeds in the garden, having a strong core makes bending, lifting, twisting, and reaching overhead easier.
Are core workouts a part of your routine?
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I definitely work on core work — everything moves from our core!
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Walkway over the Hudson:
My core “regimen” has kinda tanked…I need to get back at it (no pun intended). Thanks for the inspiration!
I know I know. I have heard how important it is. Thanks for the reminder.
And someday I hope to do something about it lol
I’ll never have a 6 pack but Pilates and core work have improved my running and balance by leaps and bounds!
this is something I really want to focus on again – I still have no real routine but definitely know how important core work is! it’s soooo much more than having a six-pack!