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7 Benefits Of A Strong Core

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Many of us associate a strong core with a flat stomach or visible six-pack abs. These may be motivating goals to you, however, there are so many more benefits that come from building a strong core than simply how flat or visible your abs are. Some of these benefits include but are not limited to improved posture, balance, reduced back pain, and easier breathing.
 
7 Benefits Of A Strong Core
  1. Back Pain Relief. Back pain is oftentimes a common problem that can be the result of a weak core. Research has shown that people who have weak core muscles also have an increased risk of backache and injury. Your core supports your spine, and having strong abdominal muscles will take the pressure off of your back all while helping to align your spine. Increasing core strength will allow you to take your workouts to the next level, all while helping to reduce any back pain or prevent further back injury.
  2. It Improves Balance And Stability. By doing core exercises, you are training the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen to work in sync. This harmony leads to better balance and stability that benefits you whether you are an athlete or simply participate in daily activities. In fact, many sports and other physical activities, in general, depend on strong and stable core muscles.
  3. Reduced Risk Of Injury. As you build core strength, you will actively improve your balance and build overall stability. As a result, you will be less likely to injure yourself. You will be able to perform the same daily routines you do every day with a lower risk of both acute injury and repetitive injury when you increase core strength. You will not only be able to keep up with your daily activities better, but you will also reduce any downtime, making it easier to accomplish your everyday tasks.
  4. Improves Sports Performance. Whether you are a runner, a football player, or a golfer, increased core strength will help you perform more effectively no matter which sport you participate in. In fact, you would have a hard time finding a sport that doesn’t rely on solid core strength for performance. Your core muscles are responsible for many of the bending, twisting, and lifting movements that you use each and every day. If importance is not placed on developing your core strength, performing exercises will be more difficult than you would like.
  5. Improves Posture. Performing core exercises allows you to work all of the muscles of your torso from top to bottom and front to back, which helps you to stand tall with your limbs in alignment. Through improving your posture, the risk of disc herniation and vertebrae degeneration is reduced. Another benefit to better posture is better breathing. The balance that helps you stand up tall and straight also opens your airway, making inhalations and exhalations easier.
  6. Job-Related Tasks Made Easier. Jobs that obviously involve twisting, bending, lifting, and standing all rely on your core muscles. However, less obvious tasks, such as sitting at your desk for hours, engage your core as well. Whether it is taking phone calls, typing, computer use, and other similar tasks can make back muscles unnecessarily stiff and sore, especially if your core muscles are not strong enough to maintain good posture and you aren’t taking enough breaks.
  7. Reach Fitness Goals Faster. A strong core provides tons of benefits, no matter what age you are. Whether you want to increase your strength, improve overall stability and balance, or improve sports performance, building your core strength will help you reach your goals faster and more effectively. 
The Takeaway
 
Simply making time for a 10 to 20-minute core-strengthening session every week can go a long way. Although it may be tough in the beginning, the benefits are worth the challenge. Once you begin consistently strengthening your core, you will notice an improvement in not only the way you look physically but how you feel and move throughout your daily routine.