Core Conditioning
What are Core Muscles?
The core muscles refers to the muscles of the
abdominal, back, pelvic floor and hips. They are so called 'core' because they are the
body's center of power. With proper training it will enhance the body’s
ability to properly align, hold, and guide the spine. Doing so will correct
postural imbalances, prevent injuries, low back pain and develop efficient,
functional movement patterns. If you are into sports, for example golf, doing the correct
core strengthening exercises will enhance your performance.
Core Strength Training
Many people mistakenly do only abdominal
exercises, like the crunches, thinking that this is the only way to strengthen the
core muscles. Although it involves the abs, core strength is not about having a six-pack
or a flat mid-section. Core strengthening is more about working your muscles from the
inside out. The muscles targeted in core strengthening exercises are those in your trunk -
they're layered, overlapping and connected to each other.
Many gyms offer specialized core strengthening
programs like Pilates, Yoga, sports specific program, or required special
equipment like Swiss ball, balance board etc. While all these exercises are well intended
and could really target the core muscles, there are less complicated methods and may be
more effective if you know how to do them. The secret is to do selected strength exercises
properly.
Rather than training each muscle group in your
trunk independently, you should emphasize on strength exercises that work the whole
body system simultaneously. That means, to center your training around compound
exercises like deadlifting and squats, Believe me, these exercises
really targets the innermost 'hidden' muscles as well as the 'showy' muscles. The
secret here is to perfect the movement of these exercises and you will be well-rewarded.
At the end of the day, you'll stand upright, look leaner and feel stronger.
