The Core is so much more

Working the core is not a new thing in fitness. Magazine covers always have titles like "15 min to a 6 pack" or something about a bikini belly. Thankfully high wasted bikini bottoms are in style and we can finally just live our lives. Sorry fellas, you still have to deal with mid rise.

Retrieved from: https://browngirlmagazine.com/2015/10/mindy-lahiri-grapples-with-returning-to-work-or-becoming-a-stay-at-home-mom/

These types of core workouts focus on what I like to call "vanity muscles" and yes they have a purpose in helping the body move, but there are deeper muscles in the core that are important to target because they help with stability of the spine. Working the deep muscles of the spine are important in injury prevention of the back, as well as helping with rehabilitation after suffering a back injury. 

Lets look at some anatomy to get a better idea of what is happening on the inside. ​

#1 - Anterior Core Muscles Retrieved from https://westcoastsci.com/blog/what-is-your-core-how-it-works/

#2 Cross Section of Low Back Retrieved from: https://musculoskeletalkey.com/lumbar-musculature-anatomy-and-function/

In picture 1 you can see all the layers of the Core Muscles. These all help to move the spine through it's planes of movement but in picture 2 you can also see where it helps with stability. Looking at picture 2 you can see that there is a large white space in the middle. Organs and other tissue fill this space but they don't help with the stability of the spine. This makes it important to keep the muscles of the low back and core strong. The obliques and transversus are going to keep the structure around the organs to help with stability.  See it's not just about the 6 pack! 

If you are feeling inspired give this workout a try! See you in the next one!