Many people tend to equate Core Strength Training and Abdominal Muscle Training. However, it is important for fitness enthusiasts to understand that core strength training is much more than abdominal exercises. Abdominal muscles have specific actions, and are fairly limited in nature. Core exercises are concerned with the entire muscular structure comprising the spine, pelvis, and torso. An anatomical picture of the muscular structure in this body region reveal just how many muscles make up this core area. For those who intend to strengthen their cores, it is important not to be limited to simple abdominal exercises.
Some of the muscles upon which you need to concentrate include the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, the hip flexors, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, gluteus medius and minimus, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, piriformis, and hip abductors. A long list, indeed! Many fitness enthusiasts choose to devote an entire workout just to core strength training, rather than make it part of a general full-body weight training regimen. Doing so ensures that they are getting maximum benefits to this vital region.
One of the primary benefits to core strength training is the reduction of back pain that occurs with a proper core strength training regimen. Abdominals tend to get all the credit for benefitting the back, but a weak core is one of the primary culprits in low back pain. You’ll find that strengthening your core will result in more correct posture in addition to decreasing the level of strain on your spinal column.
During any training program, athletes should also work on self-massage to improve on flexibility, endurance, and recovery. One great tool for this is The Stick.
Most athletes are already aware of the many benefits of core strength training. Since movement originates from the core and not the limbs, powerful core strength contributes to greater stability and control. Proper posture also can stave off injuries.
Joining a gym is not necessary to implement a strong core strength training routine. Using just body weight, you can do exercises to target every major muscle group in the core region. One of the most popular exercises is abdominal bracing. Abdominal bracing combined with squats, push-ups, V-sits, hip lifts, lunges, and back extensions are a good comprehensive routine. Search online or visit your local library to get information on correct techniques and effective numbers of repetitions for maximum benefit. If you’re just getting started, you can do abdominal crunches and push-ups to get going with a basic core routine.
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