User Manual for Your Body: The Core
- Freya Wellness Co.
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
“Engage the core”.............“Six pack abs”............“Do your crunches”...............
If you’ve heard any of these phrases and still feel like “the core” is this mysterious thing that you don’t understand, please read on!
What is the Core?
The core is a group of muscles that makes up your trunk region - the area between your ribs and your hips. It’s not just on the front of your body (where your abs are), but wraps around your body like a tube. It consists of abdominal muscles, obliques, and lower back muscles.
What does the Core do for our body?
Stability - The core muscles provide stability to the spine and pelvis, allowing for controlled movements.
Balance - They help maintain balance and posture.
Movement - They are essential for a wide range of movements, including walking, lifting, and twisting.
Protection - They help protect the internal organs and spine.
Typically the core doesn’t just mean the abs. Here are other muscles that work with the Core (like a team!) in almost every activity or exercise:
The Pelvic floor
Diaphragm
Some muscles of the hips
Is it really that necessary to focus on our core health?
YES! Strong core muscles can help prevent back pain and other injuries, maintain good
posture, and enhance your daily function for everyday activities such as lifting, bending, and reaching. For all of my athletes out there, a strong core is also essential for athletic performance in many sports.
How do we keep our core strong? Do crunches or planks every day??
At their healthiest, our core muscle group is strong, yet flexible, and able to adapt to any movement your body does. Hitting goals of a 15 minute core routine, 3-5 days per week will help keep the muscles of your core work together as a team!
How do I know if my core is struggling?
If you’re feeling lower back pain, poor posture, difficulty balancing, or having to rely on using your arms to get up from sitting or standing, you will definitely benefit from core strengthening exercises.
If any of these symptoms apply to you but you aren’t sure how to start your own core training, make an appointment with your local pelvic floor physical therapist to help you along your journey!