Why you should improve your core strength

Improving your core will give you many benefits in all areas of your life, but the trouble many of us have is that we don’t really understand where our core actually is.

Your core acts as an axis along which the muscles of the hips, abdomen and back interact to support and stabilise the spine. Several major muscle groups form the core, all of which can be strengthened by doing a few specific exercises.

Contrary to popular belief however, doing a few sit-ups every now and again simply isn’t enough.

People who sit at a desk all day are more prone to weak core muscles and therefore back pain, warns personal trainer Renee Whitney. ‘Not being mindful of how we’re sitting, and not engaging our core, can lead to things like compressed discs in our spine,’ she explains.

We often make the mistake of sitting for long periods with a tilted pelvis and arched back, rather than sitting tall, she adds. ‘While sitting, imagine a string going from the tip of your head down your neck, your upper back and lower back so that your torso is aligned.’

After a work out, treat yourself to a relaxing bath with one of these homemade bath bags

Core training is also important for fitness, whether you’re playing a sport or doing a gym class. It will improve your performance as well as reduce your chance of injury.

The stronger your core muscles, the more strength, stability and power that is transmitted to the rest of the body – whether you’re running or hitting a ball.

So, be sure to build some core strengthening exercises into your fitness regime and start sitting up straight at your desk to reap all the benefits of having a strong core.

For some examples of how best to strengthen your core, check out 5 ways to fab abs and 3 steps to having a core of steel.

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Article Name

Why you should improve your core strength

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Focus on your core strength to reap the benefits, from improving posture to releasing niggly lower back pain.

Author

Emma Krieger

Publisher Name

Healthy Magazine

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