What Is Core Training?

Core training is a hot topic in the health and fitness world, but exactly what is core training and why is it so important?

Core training is simply performing specific exercises to strengthen the muscles of your core.

Experts don't always agree as to what muscles make up the core, but in general, your core is all of the muscles of your midsection. This includes muscles in the front, sides and back of your midsection, as well as many muscles that you can't see.

The core muscles work as stabilizers for the entire body and help the body function more effectively. Some examples of core muscles are the rectus abdominis (the six pack), the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis and the erector spinae.

All of the core muscles work together to supply strength and coordinated movement. Because the core muscles work in unison, it's best to train them together as a group rather than attempt to isolate them individually. It can be detrimental to overdevelop one particular core muscle in relation to the others.

Here are the top five benefits of core training:

1. Core training improves functional fitness.

Improved functional fitness allows you to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, bending, lifting and squatting, more easily.

2. Core training reduces the risk for low back pain.

Weak core muscles often lead to low back pain. Strong core muscles help you maintain correct posture and reduce strain on your spine.

3. Core training reduces the risk for various health problems.

Strong core muscles reduce the risk for neck pain, torn muscles, ruptured disks, strained ligaments and incontinence.

4. Core training improves athletic performance.

All powerful movements originate from the core of the body out. A stronger core will enable you to generate more powerful and rapid arm and leg movements.

5. Core training helps you look good.

Core training will keep your waistline tight and give you a good looking set of abs.

If you're looking for a good core training program, I recommend that you check out a program called Firm And Flatten Your Abs. It contains seven levels of core training routines consisting of 44 different core exercises.

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