What exactly is "Core Strength" or "Core Training?”

Core training does two really important things -- it supports your spine and helps with things like balance. Also helps you look thinner. When doing pilates and a lot of core engagement, it got much easier to snowboard or do complicated yoga poses. Those core muscles are connected to your legs, to the way you stand, squat or sit. it’s not just about the abdominal muscles, but also training your back, your glutes, and the entire area that connects to your spinal cord and helps your body support your spine, so that the burden of supporting your body weight isn’t just placed on your bones.

The core is actually made up of three sheaths of muscles: the upper abs, the side muscles, which are called the obliques, and then this very deep layer of muscle. Those deep muscles act as a natural corset—so when you work them not only do you get a flatter stomach but a tighter stomach.

What’s the difference between core training and working your abs?

The difference between core and abdominal training is that you’re not just targeting the front side of the body but the back side as well. A core workout will also include the erector spinae, which are the muscles that make up your back, and also your glutes. A movement that works your core is going to work more than one muscle group, and you’re going to see results a lot faster.

Why does core strength matter so much, anyway?

What does the core do?
Your core often acts as a stabilizer and force transfer center rather than a prime mover. Yet consistently people focus on training their core as a prime mover and in isolation. This would be doing crunches or back extensions versus functional movements like deadlifts, overhead squats, and pushups, among many other functional closed chain exercises. By training the first way- not only are you missing out on a major function of the core, but also greater  strength gains, more efficient movement, and longevity of health.

It’s not just about looking good in a bikini -- core training is something you do to take care of your body as you age. Also when you sit at a desk on a  computer all day, 12 hours a day. This is the way that you can keep yourself from having horrible back pain.

It is important to first achieve core stability to protect the spine and surrounding musculature from injury in static and then dynamic movements. Second, we want to effectively and efficiently transfer and produce force during dynamic movements while maintaining core stability. This can include running, performing olympic lifts, or  just picking up a pint of milk form the back of the fridge while keeping your back safe.

Research has shown that athletes with higher core stability have a lower risk of injury.