“All physical activity begins with the body’s core. I maintain the strength in my core so that I can jump, run, start, stop, and accelerate at the highest levels
Derrick Rose NBA Player
If you’ve taken the time to read this, you probably have something in mind. It could be as simple as…
losing those few extra pounds and toning that perfect figure?
Winning that tournament you’ve always dreamed off?
Or going that extra distance, in record time?
Whatever your goal, whatever your aspiration: young, old, new or advanced. This article will show you the importance of training at the core and give you an Introductory understanding to how your Core functions as specific muscle group, the benefits of strengthening the core and its importance to effective training in relation to all other areas of your body.
Defining the Core
The core is defined as a complex series of muscles in the midsection area of your body. This series of muscles consists of a whole network of large and intricate parts adjoined on to the skeletal frame providing full rotational movement around a 3-D axis.
Some of the muscles in this group include he rectus abdominis or abs for short. This muscle is mainly responsible in the forward movement of your spine and from side to side. It runs from the end of your sternum down to the front of your pelvis. Effective Exercises that work the abs include the Bicycle Crunch and The Plank.
The function of The Core
The maintenance and strengthening of these muscles is essential to your training as they act as natural stabilisers for your entire body and essentially act as a point of force transfer for functional movement and exercise.
It is important to remember not to treat the core as a collection of muscles that primarily move, or to exercise them in isolation. They should be developed in conjunction with other functional exercises e.g. deadlifts. This allows you to utilise them to much greater effect especially in the case for sporting performances. In general, working he core will make physical activity much easier.
Our Core fitness classes focus on these areas! They run multiple times during the week in different locations in the centre! Something for everyone.
Find out about core classes by clicking below.