Your core is more than just the visible six-pack abs; it’s a powerhouse that stabilizes, supports, and moves you through life. A truly healthy core is about function, not form, supporting your body in accomplishing daily tasks and athletic feats.
The core consists of muscles including your abs, side waist, pelvic floor, lower back, and diaphragm, forming a fundamental support system enabling nearly every move you make and every breath you take. As a mobility coach in professional sports, I’ve seen the importance of core integration for strength, stability, and efficiency in movement.
Your core plays a pivotal role in your body’s key functions, including:
– Stabilization and balance: Your core stabilizes your spine and pelvis, influencing rib cage position and posture.
– Movement in all directions: Core mobility is crucial for twisting movements, reaching, and maintaining balance.
– Power transmission: Your core allows efficient power expression through your limbs, reducing stress on joints.
The plank is a foundational core exercise that activates your entire core. To do a basic plank:
1. Start on hands and knees with wrists aligned under shoulders.
2. Step feet back straightening legs to create a diagonal line from head to hips and down to heels.
3. Engage core by exhaling, moving ribs back and down toward waist.
Add dynamic movements or variations like shoulder taps or mountain climbers to increase emphasis on strength and mobility. Remember to round out your core training with mobility exercises that rotate and stretch your core in all directions.
A well-functioning core is essential for everyday life, not just athletes. You can build a stronger core with targeted exercises a few times a week, noticing improvements in how you move and feel.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/11/health/core-strength-wellness/index.html