A Strong Core Equals A Strong Body

We here at Sharecare are wild about working our core muscles. Some of us even sit on stability balls while we work to keep those babies engaged. What’s all the fuss about, you ask? To put it simply, building a strong core is crucial to having a healthy body. Here’s the scoop.

So just what is the “core” anyway?

While most people think of just their abdominal and lower back muscles as their core, that’s not the case. “The core is your entire body basically, excluding your arms and legs. It is where all movement begins,” says Sharecare fitness expert Wendy Batts.

Why should I care about it?

“The core helps maintain proper posture, balance, and alignment of the body,” says NASM Elite Trainer Heather Lethbridge. “When the core is strong, the body is strong!”

Think of it this way: If you were to build a house, you would want to create a stable foundation for it to sit on, right? It’s the same when you’re building up your body. Strengthening your core will give you the stability you need to move more efficiently, keep injuries at bay, and tackle everyday tasks like lifting your toddler or reaching up to change a light bulb.

How do I strengthen my core?

Any exercise that targets your hip, butt, abs, chest, back, or neck muscles will work a part of your core. In this video, Batts reveals a terrific—and fast!—core strengthening routine:

“There are approximately 29 muscles that make up the core of your body,” says Batts. Work some of them today!

Visit Sharecare’s Fitness Center for more great workouts and fitness tips.

Have you tried a stability ball? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let us know in the comment section below.

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File under: Fit Friday