Group Core Strengthening Classes at Wellness by Design

3 Reasons Why Core Strength Is Important for Everyone

October 9, 2018

in Family Medicine, Fitness Program, Physical Therapy

When you hear about core strength exercises, you may think they’re only for people who want to wear crop tops or show off six pack abs. However, the importance of core strength goes beyond superficial appearances. While no two bodies or musculatures are alike, here are three reasons why strengthening the area around your midsection, including front, sides and back, is important for everyone.

  1. Increase Balance and Stability

The core is the starting point for nearly all movements. By strengthening the various muscles that make up this area, you can improve your balance and stability. You don’t need to be a ballerina or gymnast to benefit from increased balanced. Everyday tasks such as walking, bending, sitting, standing, getting dressed, cleaning and more require you to be able to shift your weight from one part of your body to the other without collapsing. Core exercises can help you avoid unnecessary falls during these activities.

  1. Correct Slouching Posture

The spine should have some natural curves, but too much curve could be a sign of weakness. It’s common that people shrink as they age. Some of this is due to osteoporosis or other disease but loss of muscle can also contribute. Working your core muscles can help keep your spine long and healthy. This is not just a condition of the aging though. Increasingly, as people spend more time hunched over technology, they are losing the power that comes from their center. Core exercises can help here too.

  1. Avoid and Heal Injuries

It’s impossible to diagnose everyone’s injuries in one blog post, but nearly everything in the body is connected. If your back, knees, hips or shoulders are aching, these pains could be related to weakness in part of your core. Lower back injuries are common when someone’s abdominals are weak, for example. When injuries are involved, it’s always a good idea to consult with a doctor and/or a physical therapist. PTs in particular are trained at evaluating strengths and weaknesses in a body and developing specialized exercise routines to help their clients.

A challenge with core exercises is that most people think they can do a few crunches and achieve the results they want. The core goes deeper than that, however, and deserves specialized attention. If you have an injury, it’s best to work with your doctor or physical therapist. If you are relatively healthy, then checking out trainings such as Newport Medical and Wellness Center’s LongSpine Method, Pump or Power classes can give you more comprehensive instruction on working out the core. No matter your age or fitness level, core strength exercises are important for all. See all the full LongSpine Method Class Calendar here.

 

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