"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."

-Aristotle

Core Training

Core training is a popular buzz word these days and everyone seems to recognize the need to 'work their core'. However, most folks also have a hazy idea as to what 'core' consists of and why it is important to activate it.

The core consists of your entire torso, including all the internal organs. One interesting fact is that our arms and legs wouldn't be able to function if it weren't for the core muscles 'firing' first. Current research points to the fact that the inner unit muscles fire or turn on approximately 30 milliseconds before our arms move and 110 milliseconds before our legs move!

The core muscles consist of deep back muscles that run parallel to the spine (multifidus), muscles of the pelvic floor, the deepest abdominal muscle (transverse abdominus), the largest breathing muscle (the diaphragm), a large back muscle (latissimus dorsi) and a side abdominal muscle (internal oblique).

The core muscles work to provide protection for our spine, central nervous system, and internal organs. In addition, the core muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and rib cage in order that the one's arms and legs can move freely. If these muscles don't function correctly then it is impossible to stabilize the core or extremities and the likelihood of injury is significantly higher, especially in the low back region where an enormous load is placed on the lumbar spine.

How does one go about strengthening the core, you might ask. A popular myth holds that doing many abdominal crunches will work one's core. Unfortunately, it will only result in the beloved six pack look, and that is only if the person crunching has low body fat! This method will do nothing to strengthen your core, provide protection for your spine and internal organs or assist your arms and legs to move without injury. The best way to strengthen the core is by learning and implementing Functional Training techniques. By enlisting the knowledge and support of a qualified Personal Trainer, you can protect your body and move forward with your fitness goals!