Why is it important to have a strong core?

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Has your doctor or physical therapist ever tell you that you need to strengthen your core muscles to help your lower back pain ? Here is why you should listen to them.

So your core is basically the centerpiece of your body, everything is attached to it in some way. It encompasses all the muscles of the abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis. All of our limbs need our core in order for them to function the way that they are design to like reaching for things or even walking down the street.

Some reasons to have a strong core are:

• Helps prevent injuries from physical activities and daily activities. Since a strong core helps provided stability that allows you to move in any direction and move a certain amount of weight without causing muscle, ligament, or tendon strains/sprains.
• Protects your internal organs and nervous system. You can think of your core muscles as on big protective shield to you internal organs and spinal cord. Strong muscles equal stronger muscle “shield”.
• Can help alleviate back pain. When you have a weak core it doesn’t provide your spine with a lot of support. Which puts more strain on your back as it it now over compensation and becoming too strong. By building up your core strength it rebalances the back muscles alleviating the pain.
• Improve your posture as a strong core helps relieve the strain on your back and keeps all the limbs aligned.
• Improves your balance and stability. A strong core helps to stabilize your body which can make your movements more coordinated and balanced. Leading to less falls and more efficient body movements.

So don’t forget to give your core a little love your next workout! Compound lifts (squats, deadlifts) are great at helping to building core muscles since you are bracing when you doing the lift movement. Also do a little direct core work like planks, dead bugs, bridges, and bird dog. Doing these exercises for 3 sets and 8-10 repetitions will help build a strong core.

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References:

“Best Core Exercises: Top Moves, from Beginner to Advanced.” Healthline, 27 Sept. 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/best-core-exercises. “The Real-World Benefits of

Strengthening Your Core.” Harvard Health, 24 Jan. 2012, https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-real-world-benefits-of-strengthening-your-core.