Why Train Your Core?
One of the most sought-after body features is a well-defined core. I mean, who doesn’t want nice six-pack abs, right? When it comes to building a stronger and more well-defined core you have to train it like you do any other muscle. It takes hard work, and it won’t happen overnight. Although, trust me when I say, it is definitely worth the effort! There are so many advantages to having a strong core on top of the fact that it's a crucial part of the leaner, more athletic look that so many of us are working toward!
See, your core is not just there for good looks. There's a lot more to your core than just your abs. Your core plays a key role in allowing you to move and do some of the most basic things you want to do every day. Without your core, you wouldn’t be able to sit upright, walk, run, twist, bend, or be athletic in any meaningful way. Let’s just say your core is vital to just about everything you do on a daily basis.
Why Train Your Core?
Well, a better question would be why not? The muscles that make up your core are the foundation of where all movement and stability comes from. Yes, you can move individual joints, like extending your elbow without involving your core, but I'm talking about full body movements. All of them involve your core. That's why developing a strong core can help you in so many ways. For one, when it comes to exercise, a strong core can help you steer clear of injuries.
Take squats, for example. You have a heavy barbell on your upper back weighing you down and compressing your spinal discs. The force from the barbell wants to make you roll your spine forward and collapse. Having a strong set of erector spinae muscles can counteract that force, pulling you down to keep your spine straight and upright. These muscles are, as you can imagine, part of your core! The transverse abdominis is also getting plenty of work by bracing your core.
This helps to keep the lower back stable, and also helps to prevent your discs from bulging or herniating. But this isn't just limited to when you're lifting weights. Your core helps keep your back stable all day long. Some people can literally injure their back by picking up boxes or bending over to tie their shoes! Funny thing is both of these scenarios can be prevented, in many cases, by having a strong core. But, aside from reducing your risk of injury, a strong core can help increase your strength. After all, your core does support you in many exercises. Having a stronger core can allow you to handle heavier weights with extra safety. There are also some extremely difficult exercises you'd never be able to perform with a weak core.
So really, what I’m saying is there are tons of benefits to strengthening your core, and zero drawbacks. I truly believe that if you have a strong core, you’ll have a higher quality of life as you get older. Who doesn’t want that? Nobody!
Strengthening your core is one of the best ways to prevent unwanted injuries to your back. It’s also important to maintain a high quality of life as we age. Heck, it's even good for strength and looking your best nobody can argue that. The more active and stronger you are as you age, the younger you’ll feel. That, and you will likely deal with less immobilizing issues in the future.
Building core strength is only one piece of that equation though. If you want to make sure you are also becoming more defined and are able to show off your abs ... that will take some work with your diet as well. To see your abs you’ll need to be lean, but you also may need to build some muscle in the area in order for them to pop too.
