We often hear things like, “It is important to have a strong core” or “Focus on your core in order to get in shape”. But few people know what this means or why it is so important to have a strong core. Your core is basically your mid-section, this includes your abdominal muscles and the muscles in your lower back. Core exercises usually are a combination of moves to equally strengthen this region.

Having a strong core means more than just showing off six pack abs. These muscles are key to giving you good posture and sitting up straight is one of the few ways to look five pounds lighter instantly. A strong core also means less back pain because the back will be able to handle more physical activity and because having strong muscles throughout this area will make you carry yourself in a proper position.

Your core muscles also affect the abilities of the arms and legs. Whenever you lift something with your arms, the abs are also working to support your arms and stabilize the body. Toning your arms will be much more effective and safer if you have a strong mid-section.

Core exercises will also help improve leg performance. Every time you lift your leg up, your ab muscles assist in pulling up the leg. Many athletes work their abs in the hopes of increasing the speed they can run and the length of their strides.

Core exercises include many of the ab moves you are familiar with and a number of the exercises described on this website. But core exercise can also come from non-belly focused moves. Whenever you work out, be certain you are doing so with proper form so you can get the most out of the time and sweat you invest into your workout.

Running, biking, or doing aerobics in a class while standing upright and keeping your abs clenched will greatly improve your results. By doing this, you are training your body to remain in proper position and you are working muscles in the ways they were meant to work. For example, your body is not made to kick box while leaning in from the upper back with your shoulders leaning in. Not only will this mean getting into shape will take longer, it can increase your chance of injury, especially in the back.

In addition to doing basic core exercises using your body for resistance, consider incorporating objects to improve your workout. Doing moves while on an exercise ball will make your muscles work harder while also forcing your body to stabilize itself. To find an exercise ball the right size for your body type, you should be able to sit on it and have your knees bend at a ninety degree angle with your feet flat on the ground.

Dumb bells and resistance bands are great items to throw into the mix if your typical core exercises are no longer challenging to you. And if you don’t want to invest in equipment just try using everyday items like a can of soup or bottle of shampoo.