Core Strength...

“Core strength.”
“Working the core.”
“I have to work my core.”
“Physio says I need more core.”

All comments we as trainers often hear.  So…. I ask you??
Do you even know what your 'Core' consists of? Or do we throw this word around too often, just like 'burn fat'. Do we know what it's function is and how we should go about strengthening it?

 So what is it the bodies ‘Core’? 
Our core has three-dimensional depth and functional movement in all three planes of motion.
Many of the muscles are hidden beneath the exterior musculature people typically train. It not just your Abs - it is so much more! The deeper muscles include the transverse abdominals, multifidus, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and many other deeper muscles.

What does the Core do?
Your core most often acts as a stabilizer and force transfer center rather than a prime mover. Yet consistently people focus on training their core as a prime mover and in isolation. This would be doing crunches, sit-ups or back extensions versus functional movements like deadlifts, overhead squats, and push-ups, among many other functional closed chain exercises. By training that way, not only are you missing out on a major function of the core, but also better strength gains, more efficient movement, and longevity of health.