In exercise, we are encouraged to "strengthen our core" but what is our core?

Asked by Kayak8 (16457

) February 12th, 2011

I have a general idea, but I have never heard an actual description as to “what is our core.” I think I am in the generation just after this being a commonly used concept and I can find all sorts of information about exercises to strengthen my core, but I am just not sure what my core is. I am in PT now for my ankle (balance and strength are the focus) and the physical therapist keeps making reference to strengthening my core. I just shut up and do what she tells me, but I realized this morning that I really don’t know what she is telling me . . . .

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5 Answers

The muscles and bones in your trunk; i.e., your abdomen and back, are your core as opposed to those in your arms and legs.

janbb (62858

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@janbb are the muscles and bones of your chest area and upper back part of your core?

Kayak8 (16457

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I’m not !00% sure but I believe so. Here’s a good article I found about core training that defines the core.

janbb (62858

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@janbb That was the best description I have read, thank you! Even the article indicates that different experts include different muscle groups when referencing “the core” so I feel better that I couldn’t figure it out!

Kayak8 (16457

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