The Importance of Core Strength

Strengthening the core is more than just having awe-inspiring abs to show off. The body’s core is the central link between the upper and lower parts of our body, so making sure it’s always up to the task is of utmost importance.

Why core strength matters

Think of it as a row of dominoes. If your core is weak, your arms’ and legs’ performance will also not be up to par because their support is not strong enough. Your freedom of movement, plainly speaking, depends on how reliable your trunk is. If your core is sturdy and fit, you can lift your arms higher, they’re able to lift heavier loads and your legs will be abler to carry the weight.

 

Your core on the daily

When you come to think of it, there’s never a time when your core is not engaged. Every time you pick something up or lift something, every time you’re sitting down or standing up, even the act of getting up from your bed – your core is always doing the heavy lifting.  

Even if you’re just standing up, your core helps in keeping your body stabilized and your entire frame centered. Weak core muscles can lead to slouching, which can worsen over time and bad posture affects more than just how you look. It affects the flow of oxygen within the body, the wear and tear on your spine and even the efficiency of your internal organs.

 

Strengthening the core

Keeping the body’s median connection is of utmost importance, but the good news is doing this does not require expensive equipment or even extensive time spent working out.  

Simple stretches, crunches and a bit of light weight training can help in strengthening the core. You can also engage the hip and abdominal muscles by doing leg lifts and taking up brisk walking.

 

Tips to prevent injury

Number one would be to not overdo it. Whether you’re on the job, lifting things, or working out, keep it moderate so you won’t wear out yourself or your back muscles.

If you’re lifting things, always follow these steps:

1. Spread your feet apart to distribute the weight.
2. Bend your knees to lessen the strain on your lower back.
3. Lift with your arms folded at the elbows in a 90° angle, keeping your fingers splayed to carry the weight more effectively.
4. Do the steps in reverse when setting down your load.

Limit your sitting to 45 minutes to an hour max at a time. Make sure to take breaks to stretch your legs and allow your lower back to rest.

It’s the little things that go a long way when it comes to making sure your lower back is always strong and able to support your body well. Consistency is the key to keeping your balance centered. With the information and tips in this article, we hope we’re able to do our bit in helping you achieve a stronger core and inspiring you to exercise more to keep your body fit.