Why Core Is So Important
Why Core Is So Important
Let’s get something out of the way immediately. Your core is NOT just your abs. Abs is PART OF your core. Your core consists of not only your abs, but your obliques, serratus and your lower/medial back.
So why is it so important to have a strong core?
Well for one thing, your body is only as strong as your core. Rarely do you ever see someone with huge arms and legs with a weak core. Why is this? It’s because every workout you do involves core in some way. I know what you’re thinking. “What about when i’m sitting on a machine, my core isn’t involved then right?”. Wrong. You should be keeping your core tight in EVERY workout despite what you’re doing. The stronger your core is, the rest of the body will naturally follow.
Remember to always have that mind to muscle connection as well. If you’re thinking about your core while performing a movement, you’ll definitely be activating it. However, if you’re thinking about what you’re gonna eat for dinner, then your core will be lacking.
Another issue with not having a strong core is lower back pain. A lot of times when I have clients lay flat on their back and lift their legs up, their back arches creating a space between their lower back and the ground. This puts pressure on the lower back resulting in them having pain. Having a strong core will take pressure off your lower back.
How do you get your core strong enough to be able to not arch your back?
You’re going to want to learn the hollow body position. This will train you to keep the lower part of your back down. You can also do other easier progressions like in and outs to get you accustomed to keeping your back down even if it’s just for a split second. Over time you’ll get stronger and stronger allowing you to do more reps and hold it longer free of any back pain. You can also put your hands under your butt while performing the workout which will take some pressure off your lower back as well. (I’ll post the link to the videos of me explaining the “Hollow Body” and other easier progressions at the bottom of this blog)
Core takes time to build, so don’t get frustrated if you don’t feel a difference after 2 weeks. However, the beauty about it is once you have a strong core, many workouts become easier and you won’t lose that strength easily either. Yes it’s difficult to build, but it’s there to stay.
So start building your core TODAY! No time to waste!
If you want some good core workouts go to the “At Home” > “Ab” section where I have 30+ workouts for you to try (link below)!
https://corecalisthenics.com/topic/hollow-body-holds/
https://corecalisthenics.com/topic/in-and-outs/
https://corecalisthenics.com/lessons/abs/
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