Let’s start by knocking down some myths about core strength.
- Your core means your abdominal muscles. False. Your core includes more than 25 different muscles!
- Keeping your abs tight all the time (especially during exercise) develops a strong core. False. This can weaken your overall core stability by creating muscle imbalances.
- A strong core is only important if you are an athlete. False. You need a functionally strong core to sit at a desk for 8 hours, go for a hike, or work in your garden.
What is “core strength”? The ability to maintain structural integrity of the joints regardless of the position (i.e. standing, sitting, squatting, running, jumping, etc.). Isn’t that the same definition as “good posture”? Yes. They are the same thing. If your posture is compromised you do not have core strength (even if you have a six pack!).
How do we measure it? By looking at your standing posture and then by watching your body in movement. If you can maintain joint position during movement, you have a functionally strong core.
 Football player showing poor core strength and faulty postural alignment during a sprint. |  Runner showing excellent core strength in his ability to maintain good joint alignment. |
What muscles are part of the core? Lots. Deep and more superficial muscles. Every muscle that attaches to the pelvis, spine, ribs or scapula. Some examples are:
 Psoas major and iliacus |  Transverse abdominis |  Rhomboids and erector spinea |  Multifitus spinea |
Why do I need core strength? If you don’t have core strength and you try to pick up something heavy, you might injure your back and end up with chronic back pain. If you lack core strength and you go for a run, your knees might hurt later that day. If you are weak in the core you’ll get shoulder and neck tightness and pain from sitting at work.
What are the best exercises to develop core strength? Anything that realigns your posture and teaches your joints to stay lined up while moving (running, golfing, gardening, tennis, etc. ).
I would recommend getting a free postural analysis including functional testing and gait analysis to identify where your imbalances are and then getting a program of exercises to correct your unique muscular and postural imbalances.
I would recommend getting a free postural analysis including functional testing and gait analysis to identify where your imbalances are and then getting a program of exercises to correct your unique muscular and postural imbalances.
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