Functional core training and images of core muscles
The body’s core muscles are the not visible deep core muscles
Core strength training goes way beyond the traditional idea that we must do abdominal exercises, get that coveted ‘six pack’, and that’s it. The truth is, the abdominal muscles of our bodies have a very limited action when it comes to a strong core. The body’s core muscles actually consists of several different muscle groups that are not visible because they are also know as deep core muscles, muscles that are responsible for stabilizing the spine, the pelvis and are present deep within the entire length of the torso. These deep core muscles primary purpose is to stabilize the spine, the pelvis and the shoulders and give us a rock-solid foundation for movement of our extremities. Core strength exercise programs target all deep core muscles. From the deep core muscles all of our strength, power, and balance originate from. These the body’s core muscles also control our movements, transfer energy, and weight distribution during sport or our everyday lives. A strong core also protects our back from injury.
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The muscles of the deep core
The core of our body consists of many different muscle groups (Internal Obliques, the Transversus Abdominis, the Transversospinalis Complex, the Multifidus, the pelvic floor muscles, and the Diaphragm) that stabilize and support our spine and pelvis and are a part of our entire torso. These muscles stabilize and strengthen the spine, pelvis and shoulders while provide a firm base for movement in our arms, legs, neck and other extremities. Core training and conditioning exercise programs must engage all of these important muscle groups to maximize the effectiveness of the core training program.
How to do functional core training exercises
You must do resistance training with either body weight, barbell/dumbbell weight, or a combination of both while in a position that puts a challenge on your balance. To do functional core training one must NEVER use an exercise machine because you’re seated and exerting strength against a weight that is attached to a fixed and constant plane of motion. By training in this fashion you are not getting the maximum benefits like from free weight training because you don’t have any of your core muscles involved in the stability of the motion. It is much better to exercise with free weights, while standing, in an environment of controlled instability, or a combination of all three to engage ALL your muscles. Just by doing this you have more muscles working, more muscles requiring energy to function.
