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Core Questions

No doubt you have heard the term "core" tossed about they gym. You know it's deep, but you have some core questions.

Core question - What is it?

The Core is a group of muscles made up of:

  • The tranversus abdominis (don’t be intimidated by the Latin) a.k.a the deep abdominal muscle that wraps around your torso. It is the deepest of the abs, and it acts like a natural weight-lifting belt.
  • The multifidi – a group of deep spinal muscles that stabilize the spine and prevent excessive rotation of the vertebrae.
  • The pelvic floor– yep, down there. The pelvic floor is a few layers of muscles that connect your pubic bone, tail bone and sits bones.

Core question – What does it do?
When these groups of muscles work together they stabilize the torso, pelvis and spine.

Have a few more core questions? Then

Core question – How do I feel my core?
Imagine sandwiching your spine with your deep abs and deep spinal muscles while pulling your pelvic floor up (like doing a kagel with a lift).

Core question – How do I strengthen my core?
You want to feel the core engage as you exhale during the strenuous part of an exercise. When lifting weights, exhale and feel your core, then lift. Your torso should stay stable – that’s how you know your working it.

Core question - Why is it important?
It stabilizes your pelvis and low back, helping to prevent injury. It also makes for a flat belly.


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