Why Having a Strong Core is Key in Pilates, and Life

February 2, 2020 Heather Dorak FITNESS abs, core, pilates, pilates platinum

It seems as if having abs is one of the biggest desires of health-conscious people. Across the board, people desire a flat stomach and those washboard abs that do so much more than show that you’re in good shape — they show you work your a** off at it.

While visible abs are great, what is more important is what lies underneath: your core.

Your core is integral to your health in ways that go beyond just appearance, so it’s time that you stop putting all of your attention on that six pack, and focus more on ensuring your core is strong for more than just looks.

Why You Need a Strong Core

There are a number of reasons why you need your core to be rock solid.

Balance and Stability

According to the Mayo Clinic, “core exercises improve your balance and stability. Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities.”

Healthy Back

Many Americans suffer from back pain, specifically lower back pain during their lives and you may be surprised to find out that this can be prevented by working your core. Your core works with your stability and balance (as mentioned above), and that definitely ties into your back.

Good Posture

If you suffer from weak core muscles, you’ll likely find yourself falling into bad posture more often. The stronger your core, the more likely you are to have good posture, which is important for a few reasons. First of all, it gives off an air of confidence. Secondly, it helps keep your spine in tip-top shape. It also helps you to breathe fully and deeply, and helps you get more out of your exercises as well.

Every Move You Make

Whatever direction you’re moving anytime, anywhere, your core plays a role.

Your core muscles are often the ones to get the party started with the rest of your body, and if you don’t have that core strength, then your other muscles are going to have to compensate, and those are going to be the muscles that aren’t meant to be the primary ones. This oftentimes ends up being your back, which is what can lead to back injuries.

Sports

Think of how many sports use your core. Rowing, kayaking, swimming, baseball, running, biking, golfing, tennis, and so many more. They are all fueled by your core and if yours is weak, then you aren’t going to do as well in these sports as you could be. You may also be putting yourself at risk of injury.

Toning Abs

Obviously you can’t get those six-pack abs without getting your core strong first. As stated by the Mayo Clinic, “although it takes aerobic activity to burn abdominal fat, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles.”

As you can see, your core is vital to your overall health as well as the health of the six-pack ab muscles you’re after.

And you’re in luck because Pilates is one of the best ways to build a strong core. Every single exercise you do in Pilates involves your core so each time you come to class, you are getting 55 minutes of core workout. And chances are good that after not too long, you’ll start to see those ab muscles shining through.