Often when people are asked what their current exercise program is, they often respond with ‘a bit of cardio and some core work’. When questioned further about their ‘core’ work it often involves sit ups, push ups, squats, weights and the like.

Your ‘core’ is generally considered to be the region around your pelvis (hips included), abdominal and low back areas. It is the ability of the ‘core’ to stabilise the joints in this area, to provide protection and to act as a stable platform for which all other body parts can function with control and safety.

It is a fallacy to think that good strength (i.e. repeated sit ups for abdominal strength) will improve the body’s functional ability to move in a controlled, strong and protective manner. Your ‘core’ muscles involve both an inner set or ‘core’ muscles for control and stability and an outer set of muscles for strength (i.e. superficial abdominals).

For the inner ‘core’ muscles to function they need to be specifically trained. Once activated and performing their stabilising role, the outer muscles can then be strengthened. Good ‘core’ activation and strength then allows other parts of the body, specifically legs and arms to function in a more controlled and performance specific manner.

There are a number of programs that assist with ‘core’ control and activation and specialists such as physiotherapists are well trained in teaching ‘core’ control. Heading straight to the gym and doing repeated sit ups and weights does not necessarily tick all the boxes. A ‘six pack’ whilst helpful in some ways does not necessarily mean you have a good functioning ‘core’.

College Physio