Strengthening Your Core for Better Health
By Donna Stark
Apart from having fabulous abs and a great appearance in your bathing suit, have you ever wondered why your core muscles are so important? Your core muscles consist of the four abdominal muscle groups that surround and support your spine and pelvis. They are key in nearly every movement you make, from getting out of bed in the morning to swinging a golf club to simply standing upright, so it's important to keep them as healthy and strong as you can. Here's why.
Consequences of a Weak Core
Advances in technology have certainly made our lives easier but at the same time, they have contributed to a more sedentary lifestyle. Many of us are now working at a desk, punching keys on a keyboard, and communicating via text instead of working at the more physical jobs that generations ahead of us engaged in. Our postures have suffered and our core muscle strength has diminished, and as a result, we now face more health issues than ever before. Take a look at some of the issues that can come from weakened core muscles.
- Back strains and sprains
- Low back pain
- Injuries to shoulders, hips, and knees
- Muscle tightness in the back and neck
- Chronic headaches
- Cardiovascular stress
- Impaired digestion
- Increased risk of depression
- Respiratory issues
How to Strengthen Your Core
So now that you understand why your core muscles are so important, it's time to do something about yours. But where do you start? Well, the best thing about strengthening your core is that you don't need to sign up for a gym membership to get the results you want. Improving core strength doesn't require any special equipment and it can really be done anywhere! So spend a few minutes online and look up some new core exercises that interest you. Pull up a yoga video and get your zen on. Or just stick with the tried and true. We all know how to do squats, planks, and sit-ups, right? Just be sure to engage in these exercises consistently to achieve your desired results.
A Healthier Life
It won't take long for you to start feeling better after you incorporate core strengthening exercises into your daily routine. You'll sleep better, you'll have more energy, you'll reduce the risk of injuries, and you'll move better. You can have all of that simply by focusing on your core. Sound too good to be true? Go ahead and give it a try! You may be surprised by how much your life changes!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cedar Hill, Tex.