What Is Your Core? (what you may learn will surprise you!)

The core has been described as “your center of gravity and where all body movement begins”.  By definition, your body’s center of gravity is the exact center of the body around which the body can rotate freely in any direction and where the weight is equal on all opposite sides.  Your core is involved in every movement of the body: 1) It is responsible for stabilizing the spine, 2) It assists in the function of balance, 3) It is responsible in the transfer of energy from your lower body into the upper body, and 4) the core is the primary rotator of the body. So the core works as a “unit” to start and create human movement.  

Your core is composed of as many as 35 different muscle groups that connect into the pelvis from the spine and hip area.  The core also includes the diaphragm, the muscles in the pelvic floor, the muscles around the hips and the gluteal muscles and the muscles that run up and down your back!  Your core is also the center of stability for the lower limbs, from the foot to the hip.  The muscles in your core function not only mobilize bone to create movement but also act as stabilizers.  Core muscle strength, endurance, balance, coordination and power is vital to any person, and especially any athlete in any sport.