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Core Strength Training
If you’ve ever done any kind of strength or aerobic training, you’ve probably
heard about the importance of strengthening your “core.” The core refers to
the muscles that stabilize you, determine your posture and hold you up. It is
a region where the body’s center of gravity is located. The core refers to all
the muscles that connect and support the pelvis and spine. There are 29 core
muscles in total. These muscles make up the areas we generally refer to as:
· Abdomen
· Back
· Pelvic girdle region
· Legs
· Thighs
· Hips
Core strength training, then, refers to exercises you do with the intent of
strengthening these core muscles. A good core strength training program should:
· Maintain muscular balance
· Improve posture
· Increase the body’s ability for functional strength and movement
Core strength training can bring you all kinds of benefits, including improving:
· Posture
· Running techniques
· Stomach techniques
· “Lighter” walk
· Swimming techniques
Core strength training raises your awereness of specific muscles and small
groups of muscles. You learn to isolate muscle groups, allowing you to work
individual groups harder and in a more specialized way. This focus on the core
muscles will allow you to correct your posture, and correct any problems resulting
from poor posture. Core strength is especially important for athletes; without
a strong core, optimum performance in any sport is impossible.
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