Your Core
What's your core?
The core is the area around your trunk and hips, also called the torso.
This area of your body includes all the muscles in your midsection, front, back, and sides.
You may have also heard it called your "abs."
All these muscles support your back and balance your body.
Why is a strong core so important?
A strong core is at the center of your overall health. Without a strong core, you could have:
Poor posture and gait.
Lower back pain.
Increased risk of injury to your back.
Benefits of a strong core
It will help you lose weight, and keep it off.
It will protect and support your back.
It will help improve your balance and your movement in general.
Try it out!
Here are 2 basic exercises that will help you begin to strengthen your core:
The bridge.
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Keep your back in a neutral placement, not overly arched and not pressed into the floor. Avoid tilting your hips up.
Cough to tighten your abdominals. Holding the contraction in your abdominals, raise your hips off the floor.
Align your hips with your knees and shoulders. Hold and take 3 deep breaths.
Return to the start and repeat. For a challenge, extend 1 knee while doing the bridge.
Single-leg abdominal press.
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your back in a neutral placement. Cough and hold to activate your abdominals.
Raise your right leg off the floor, so that your knee and hip bend at 90-degree angles, and rest your right hand on top of your right knee.
Push your hand forward while using your abdominal muscles to pull your knee toward your hand. Hold for 3 deep breaths and return to the start.
Repeat this exercise using your left hand and left knee. Keep your arm straight and avoid bending more than 90 degrees at your hip.
Important
Before starting any physical activity or adding an activity, talk with your provider to make sure it's safe and a good fit for you.