Understanding the core helps us move with strength, stability, and energy.
There is something about a well-defined set of abs that makes the body look fit and strong. But flat abs, or even a six-pack, do not necessarily translate to strength.
What we really need is a strong core. Although it shares the same general location as the abs, the core is not interchangeable with the abdominals.
Abs Are Not the Same as the Core
The abdominal muscles enable the trunk to bend forward, as when we do sit-ups or curl-ups, bend side to side, and twist clockwise and counterclockwise. We use these movements several times in daily life, and the stronger the abdominals, the more easily we move.
The only muscle of the abdominal group that makes up the core is situated deep inside: the transversus abdominis.
Deep Core Stabilization
The transversus abdominis is not a muscle that creates big movements. It is a muscle we need to learn to access for stability and control.
The core is also made up of deep lower back muscles, the pelvic floor, and the diaphragm. Together, these muscles form a supportive corset around the torso and help protect the body.
If you have ever injured your back, suffered back pain or pain around the hips, or hurt your shoulders, hips, or knees, working on your core may help you feel like you have changed your whole body.
Why Core Strength Matters
Most exercises target big muscle groups: the abdominals, the muscles around the hips and thighs, and the shoulders. These are also the big movers.
The core is not a big mover. It supports, stabilizes, and controls big movements. Without core stabilization, we are likely to overburden the big movers, which may lead to pains and injuries.
Pilates Builds Core Strength
Pilates is a total body workout that develops core strength. It works the big muscles, small muscles, and deep muscles using core strength as the basis of each exercise.
Every exercise in Pilates is, in fact, a core exercise. Pilates first teaches us to turn on the core through breathing. We learn to lead with the breath, activate the core, and maintain that activation throughout movement.
In Pilates, the core is also known as the powerhouse because it is the body’s source of strength and dynamic energy. The whole body grows stronger and less prone to injuries when we learn to engage the core and draw strength from it in cooperation with the big movers.
Taking Core Strength into Daily Life
With Pilates training, using the core becomes as natural as breathing. The goal is to recruit core strength beyond doing Pilates and beyond exercising, into daily living.
Turn on your core when driving, cooking, working on the computer, cleaning the house, and walking between places. Turn on your core, period.
Get strong from the inside out. Work on your core with All Core Pilates at Upper Ground Floor, Commerce Mall, Alabang Town Center. Book Now.
