When it comes to exercise we all want a quick fix and to snap our fingers and see results, but results take time. Exercise is not just about lifting weights or heading to the gym and running on a treadmill. Exercise is a science and core strength is at the center of it all. When we base our strength at our core we are protecting ourselves. The core is made up of several different muscle groups and those lovely rippling abdominal muscles you see are the last ones that should be worked. So which ones should we be working first?
Lets take a look at each different group of muscles that make up our core. The Transverse Abdominis are the deepest muscles and lie just under your obliques and wrap around your spine. The Multifidus Muscle rests deep in the spine and stabilizes each joint enabling each vertebra to work more effectively. The Internal Obliques lie just under the external obliques running in the opposite direction. The upper layer are the External Obliques located on both the side and front abdomen and rest on the internal obliques. The Rectus Abdominis extend along the front of the abdomen and are often referred to as the “six pack”. The Erector Spinae run from your neck to your lower back. So now that you see that the core is not just that lovely six pack what is the importance of strengthening all of these muscles.
One of the largest reasons is for protection. When the core is strong is allows you body to be rooted in its strength and can build upon that strength. In a way you can think of your core as the roots of a tree. The stronger and deeper those roots the stronger the entire tree. Much like that trees growth originating from the root so does our movement. When we move each extremity we are originating that movement in our core. Best Health Mag says, “a simple but effective exercise for building core stability is to draw in the abdominal muscles (think about your belly button pulling away from your pant line), hold for five breaths, and then relax. Repeat 10 times and is recommended 10 times a day.” This exercise is one that is practiced in yoga as well. Going into the deeper abdominal muscles first before the “six pack” is even thought of results in a better overall exercise regime.
Do you strengthen all of your core muscles or do you focus on the “six pack” abdominal’s the most? Now that you know the benefits of strengthening your deeper core muscles will you focus on those muscles now? More benefits of strengthening your deeper core muscles are on BestHealthMag.com HERE