Many people tend to equate Core Strength Training and Abdominal Muscle Training. Those designing their fitness routines should know, though, that there is much more to core strength exercises than just abdominal routines. Abdominal muscles have specific actions, and are fairly limited in nature. Core exercises focus on the entire muscular structure that makes up the spine, pelvis, and torso. An anatomical picture of the muscular structure in this body region reveal just how many muscles make up this core area. With this in mind, if you’re aiming to strengthen your core, you must branch out from the abdominal exercises for maximum effect.

Muscles that should be part of your strengthening routine include the internal and external obliques, the transverse abdominis, the hip flexors, erector spinae, rectus abdominis, gluteus medius and minimus, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, piriformis, and hip abductors. The list, as is clear, is quite long. Many fitness enthusiasts choose to devote an entire workout just to core strength training, rather than make it part of a general full-body weight training regimen. By doing so, they maximize the benefits associated with a strong core.

One of the most attractive benefits of core strength training is the reduction in lower back pain. Abdominals tend to get all the credit for benefitting the back, but a weak core is one of the primary culprits in low back pain. You’ll find that strengthening your core will result in more correct posture in addition to decreasing the level of strain on your spinal column.

During any training program, athletes should also work on self-massage to improve on flexibility, endurance, and recovery. One great tool for this is The Stick.

Educated athletes are usually aware of the fantastic benefits of core strength training. Recognizing that movement originates from the core of the body and not just the limbs, it’s clear that a strong core offers greater stability and control. Injuries are reduced when athletes compete with proper posture.

You don’t have to join a gym to do a wide variety of core strengthening exercises. Using just body weight, you can do exercises to target every major muscle group in the core region. Abdominal bracing is the primary technique used in core exercise routines, where the abdominal muscles are contracted. In addition to abdominal bracing, you can do squats, push-ups, V-sits, hip lifts, lunges, and back extensions. Search online or visit your local library to get information on correct techniques and effective numbers of repetitions for maximum benefit. The simplest core strength program includes abdominal crunches and push-ups, so if you’re just starting out, start there!

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