The Importance of Having a
Strong Core.

I know what you are thinking... "But I hate doing sit-ups!" I don't blame you...

I hate them too.

You know, there is this misconception in the fitness industry. Many people equate the core with "abs". I'm pretty sure you have been told in order to strengthen your core you must do sit ups. Strengthening your core is more than just ab work.

You might be wondering.. Why should I be so concerned about how strong my core is? Because... having a weak core affects every other part of your body. It affects every day activities such as they way we stand and walk.

If you are a swimmer, dancer, or play any atheletics, you already know the advantages to having a strong core. But, for the rest of us, we are just now learning this vital information.

OK, So What is The Core?

The core region consists of more than just the abdominal muscles. It consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso.

When you hear someone talking about the core, they are referring to the muscles deep within the abs and back, attaching to the spine or pelvis. These muscles provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. That's why it is so important that core conditioning exercises need to target all these muscle groups to be effective. These muscles are where movement originates and it's also the source of our stability. They make it possible for us to standup right and move on two feet.

The torso is your body's center of power, the stronger you are in that area, the better your life will be.

What Muscles Make Up The Core?

Below, are a list of of the most common muscles that make up the "core". These muscles, when they contract, stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle and create a solid base of support.

• Rectus Abdominis - located along the front of the adbomen, we refer to it as the "six-pick" due tothe way it looks in someone who is small and fit. This is trained when an you performexercise such as the crunch.
• Erector Spinae - The three muscles that run along your neck to your lower back.
• Multifidus - located under the erector spinae along the vertebral column, these muscles extendand rotate the spine.
• External Obliques - located on the side and front of the abdomen.
• Internal Obliques - located under the external obliques, running in the opposite direction.
• Transverse Abdominis (TVA) - located under the obliques, it is the deepest of the abdominal muscles(these are the muscles of your waist) and wraps around your spine for protection and stability.
• Hip Flexors - located in front of the pelvis and upper thigh. The muscles that make up the hip flexors include: psoas majorilliacusrectus femorispectineussartorius
• Gluteus medius and minimus - located at the side of the hip
• Gluteus maximus, hamstring groups, piriformis - located in the back of the hip and upper thigh leg.
• Hip adductors - located at the medial thigh.

How Does Hula Hooping Work Your Core Muscles?

When you spin the hoop around your waist it requires constant push and pull contractions in your core muscles. This works your abs and the obliques at the sides of your waist. In addition, you also get a get a workout in your hips, gluts and thighs.

There are many other exercises you can do to strengthen your core. If you like more information, visit this Core Exercise website.

Fit2Hoop › Core Exercise