Strengthen Core Muscles for Whole Body Strength

What is the secret behind Tiger Wood's impressive golf swing, basketball star Jason Kidd's endurance, and baseball pitcher Curt Schilling's fastball?

Answer: strong core muscles.

Aren't core muscles the same as abdominal muscles?
Core refers not just to the abdominal muscles, but to all of the muscles that stabilze your core such as your neck stabilizers and posterior back muscles, and includes deep muscles you can’t see (like the Transverse Abdominis, or TVA).

Strengthening core muscles is for every body.
Strong core muscles hold your body upright and keep your back healthy. They improve your balance and enable you to really put some punch in your arm and leg movements.

If the core muscles are weak, your body doesn't work as effectively, and other muscles have to pick up the slack. It also makes you more susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries. Strong core muscles provide the brace of support needed to help prevent such pain and injury.

Fitness classes and exercises.
There are many exercises you can do at home with little or no equipment. Exercises to help strengthen your core.

If you are the type of person that needs more external motivation, then try a Pilates or yoga class. Both are founded on building the strength of core muscles.

Resources: www.about.com/holistichealing, www.about.com/sportsmedicine, www.cnn.com/health, www.mayoclinic.com/fitness

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