, , ,

What is core strength, and why do you need it?

, , ,

“You are only as young as your spine is flexible” Joseph Pilates

Every apple has a core right? So imagine yourself as an apple, and simply put your core is your centre that holds you together and supports your spine. And since your spine is what holds you up, it is incredibly important that you take good care of it.

Your core is the powerhouse of the moving body. Although your abdominal muscles make up a significant portion of your core, there are other muscles included.  Essentially your entire torso, including your chest, abdominal muscles, pelvis, and your back make up your core.

Having a strong and stable core will improve your balance and posture and the overall quality of your movement will improve.

So what does it mean to have a strong core? Is it having a six pack? We hate to break it to you, but, no.

Our six pack muscles (rectus abdominis), are the most superficial of the four abdominal muscles and as a result they can pop up to make us look toned and fit. Having a toned physical appearance does not always equate to good core strength. At CGM Pilates you won’t hear us talking much about about six packs (that's not to say you won't get one though!), instead we focus on teaching you how to activate the deeper, core stabilising abdominal muscles.

The transverse abdominis (TA) is the deepest of four abdominal muscles and acts to support the lower back and pelvis. At CGM Pilates we regularly see clients that suffer from lower back pain and they have been referred by their doctors or physiotherapists to do Pilates. Strengthening your core stabilising muscles can help alleviate back pain, prevent injury, and improve back strength and mobility.

Here's a simple exercise you can try at home*.

SINGLE LEG LIFTS

Setup

Lie on your back on the floor or on a yoga mat,  knees bent, feet resting flat on the floor and your arms by your side.

Movement

  1. Exhale: lift one leg up moving only at the hip joint, maintaining the angle of the knee

  2. Inhale: lower leg down

  3. Repeat 8-10 per leg

  4. If you'd like to increase the changellenge, alternate from one leg to the other for 8-10 times.

*Always consult your physician before adding any new exercises to your program.

If you'd like to read more about core strength check out the Ask our HEALTH experts sections of Profile Magazine. 

Sunshine Coast locals, we encourage you to come in and learn for yourself about core strength from our team of experienced CGM Pilates Instructors.

If you have a question about core strength or are curious as to how Pilates can help you we’d love to help.

With health & happiness,

Colina, CGM Pilates co-founder.