By Liz Neporent, Suzanne Schlosberg, and Shirley Archer from "Weight Training For Dummies, 3rd Edition"
Core refers to the anatomic center of the body. Stabilizer muscles hold your joints together properly to improve movement efficiency, prevent injury, and promote stability. When athletic trainers typically think of core training, they refer to muscles that stabilize the hips and lower back. Core stabilization exercises aren’t sexy, but they’re critically important to enjoying everyday living.
- Real-life benefits: A strong core supports good posture and proper joint alignment. Good posture not only makes you look and feel better but also prevents back pain. A strong core allows you to stand for long periods of time without pain or survive sitting at your desk and working at your computer for long hours.
- Injury prevention: Good posture places the least amount of stress on your joints. Strong stabilizers keep your neck, shoulders, hips, and knees properly aligned to minimize wear and tear on your body. Strong stabilizers also let you use the strength in your arms and legs. For example, if you don’t have a stable shoulder joint, regardless of how strong your arms and back are, lifting items like a suitcase without hurting your shoulder may be tough.
The "Feel Good" factor
Nothing boosts your confidence like great posture and moving from the center of your being. Standing up tall; facing life straight on: That's what it's all about.
