7 amazing things that happen when you have strong core muscles

Aside from occasional situps and pushups, many of us ignore our core.  Our core muscles are found right around the abdomen and are what make up our torso. This includes the transverse and rectus abdominus – muscles running from just below the sternum to the waist, our lower and outer-middle of the back, and the obliques which run down our sides from the ribs to the upper hips.

Personal trainers and yoga instructors always emphasize the “core muscles” of the body. They will say it again and again, how important it is to have those muscles making up the middle of our body be as strong as possible.

Maybe you don’t have a six-pack but having strong core muscles are important.  Strong back and abdominal muscles are necessary for lifting a 30 pound child, hitting a tennis ball or sweeping the floor.  Just to do those motions originate in your core.

If we allow our core muscles to weaken and become inflexible, this can take away power you need to perform everyday tasks.  A strong core enhances balance and stability helping to prevent falls and injuries during sports or household chores.  Here are seven reasons you need to strengthen your core:

1.  Everyday activities become so much easier

Think of all the little moves you make throughout the day we tend to take for granted – bending over to tie a shoe, getting up out of a chair, twisting your body to look behind you – all rely on your core muscles.  If the core muscles are not taken care of, when we become elderly, this can be a major reason why we cannot live independently anymore if we can’t manage everyday activities.  Being frail leads to being unable to do simple tasks of getting in and out of a bathtub or dressing oneself – both which require strong core muscles.

2.  Tasks at work will be less strenuous

Whether you have a desk job or a much more physical one, all movements rely on core muscles.  Any type of task involving twisting, lifting, or standing for long periods demand good core muscles.  Even a desk job engages the core muscles.  Typing, sitting up in a chair, computer use, all need a strong back that doesn’t become stiff or sore making the job much harder. 

3.  Your back will be healthier

Four out of five Americans at some point in their lives suffer from debilitating low back pain.  This can be eliminated by exercising the core muscles.  When back pain occurs, core exercises are often prescribed to relieve the pain along with medications, physical therapy, and other treatments as needed.

4.  Household duties will become a breeze

Just about all moves we make in our household duties require strong core muscles – vacuuming, mopping, dusting, gardening, climbing a ladder or carrying in groceries.

5.  Sports activities will be more enjoyable

To power a sports activity, strong core muscles are necessary.  Playing tennis, golfing, biking, running, swimming, playing basketball, kayaking, rowing or any other athletic activities all call for core power and flexibility.

6.  Your balance, stability and posture will improve

In order to stabilize your body, your core muscles must be engaged to do so.  Take a walk down a rock road and you will need those core muscles to balance yourself lessening the likelihood of falling.

When our core muscles are weak, we tend to slouch resulting in poor posture.  Good posture makes you appear slimmer and projects confidence.  Standing tall also lessens wear and tear on the spine and allows you to breathe deeply. 

7.  You’ll have fewer injuries

We may presume that when we move, it’s our legs and arms doing most of the work.  But the opposite is true.  Most of our movement starts at the center of our body and moves outward.  Having a rock solid core ensures your movements are strong and pain free.  If core muscles are weak, your quads, hips and knee joints bear the extra pounding of your body weight, leading to fatigue, pain, and even injury.        

A simple but effective exercise for building core stability is to draw in the abdominal muscles (think about your belly button pulling away from your pantline), hold for five breaths, and then relax.  Repeat 10 times. 

Learn how to strengthen and develop your core muscles and watch your life and health improve all around.