Core Muscles
You hear a lot about core muscles these days. Even the army is focusing on core muscles. But what are core muscles, and what do they have to do with your workout?
Well, let’s say you’re running or working out at the gym, and before you know it your back starts hurting. Or you’re kayaking and your endurance just isn’t what you’d hoped for.Chances are, your core muscles are too weak to support your efforts, even as your legs or arms get stronger.
A strong core means you’ll use less energy to get better results.
What’s core?
Your core muscles are primarily:
- abdominal muscles
- muscles of the buttocks
- muscles of the hips
- muscles of the back
I know. You’re thinking, “You want me to have a strong butt???” Well, yes.
Core muscles hold you upright
Weak core muscles make it hard to hold good posture. That translates to bad running form, bad gym form, bad kayak form. It also alters your center of gravity. Add weight, and you’re stressing your body in ways it was never meant to be stressed.
This will take a toll. It will drag on your endurance, and eventually cause pain and inflammation.
Core muscles are shock absorbers
Think of running: lots of shock. Walking on cement, lifting weights, even hard cycling: a steady dose of small shocks.
When your core muscles aren’t strong enough, the shock hits areas of your back which were never designed to take a lot of shock.
Strong core muscles dissipate shock, and spread it around the entire abdominal cavity. This protects your back and takes pressure off the weak spots.
What you can do
You can strengthen core muscles by exercising at home, using machines at the gym, or taking a yoga or Pilates class.
There are great exercises for your core, some that you can do anywhere. Check here:
http://www.ab-core-and-stomach-exercises.com/ab_exercises.html
You’ll like how it feels once your core starts getting stronger. Whether you’re running, kayaking or lifting weights, you’ll feel better and your body with thank you.
