One of the most overused words today in the fitness industry! 

What is the core?

The “core” is all of the muscles that attach to the pelvis, spine, rib cage, and shoulder girdle and their relationship or synchronicity with each other.

What are the functions of the core? 

Stabilization of the spine, pelvis, ribs, shoulder girdles and femurs

Movements     Flexion, extension, and rotation of the spine

                      Flexion, extension, and rotation of the pelvis

                      Flexion, extension, ab/adduction, and rotation of the femur

                      Flexion, extension, ab/adduction, and rotation of the humerus

                      Elevation, protraction, depression, and retraction of the scapula

Generally if you ask most trainers what the best core exercises you will get a demonstration of 100s of types of spinal flexion (crunch types of exercises).  As you can see there are several muscles and joints associated with the “core”.  I have heard several trainers (none listed in this communal blog) refer to the core muscles as the rectus abdominus, and the obliques.  Yes, these muscles are associated with the core but are only a couple of the hundreds of muscles that attach to the pelvis, spine, and rib cage. 

So does “core” training solely involve crunches or crunch type activities?  NO!

A lot of movements utilize the “core” for example:  standing, being ambulatory (walking or running), exercises done standing, exercises done seated, etc.

The questions really are:   What are your goals?  How can your training improve your movement patterns?  What are you trying to achieve? 

When you answer those questions you should get a better idea of exercises (most of which utilize the “core”) are appropriate for you.

Chika Christenson, MS, CES, CPT, PES