What is core stability?
Suffering from back or neck pain? The cause can often be attributed to weakened core stability.
In my view, this is the foundation that should be prioritized in training. It forms the foundation upon which movements are built.
This principle also applies to building a business; you start with a solid foundation before embarking on larger projects. This way, you avoid constantly having to put out fires.
The same goes for strength training. Start by building a strong foundation.
Here’s a blog post about core stability.
What is core stability?
Imagine an orchestra. Just like any musician in an orchestra, they must keep their instruments playing smoothly despite constant changes in tempo and volume. Your body must coordinate every muscle to create purposeful and fluid movement.
The muscles surrounding the spine—the front and side abdominals, the back muscles, and even the larger muscles that span multiple joints, such as the lats and psoas—are considered the body’s core. The glutes are also a key component of the core. These muscles must work together to improve spinal stability.
How does the ‘core’ work?
First, when muscles contract, they create force and stiffness. It is this stiffness that is important for stability. Think of the spine as a flexible rod that must be stiffened to support the load. This is the function of the muscles. Second, the body functions as a linked system; movement requires stability. All body movements require proper muscle coordination. To move, run, or squat, spinal stiffness and core stability are essential.
What if you have a weak core?
When the core can’t meet the stability demands placed on the body during certain exercises, parts of the spine are overloaded with forces that increase the risk of injury and negatively impact performance. Every muscle surrounding or attached to the spine must work together to produce safe, efficient, and, when necessary, powerful movements.
Conclusion
It’s therefore essential to ensure that the core of your body is properly trained to perform its function. This can prevent common injuries such as back and neck pain.
