Core the Middle of all Action
When we think of core we think of the central location to that subject matter or an object. This is the same for the human body’s anatomy. In Eastern Chinese medicine it is called the Chi. The location of the most energy driven by the body and when one adds all the functions which occur in the centralized area of the abdomen. A place which in cases the many organs including where digestion takes place. It is no wonder a place of interest in fitness and health.
Core Position
It’s placed right in middle of the entire bodies anatomical position. In other words the “downtown” of the human body! In Pilates the core includes the entire torso. This way there is a solid structure and not just the parts of the abdomen. This term in Pilates is called the “Power House.”
Different Parts of the Core
The abdomen which consists of several layers of muscles. These are the deep muscles called the transverse abdominals, and deep Obliques Abdominals. Whereas, the global muscles which are the surface ones called the Rectus Abdominals and surface Obliques Abdominals.
Their functions are many, one of them is the stability wrap around the waist that acts as a support for the lower back. This piece is so important so much that when one thinks of it
as the wrist wrap a boxer will fit to their wrist before placing the boxing gloves, before both practice or a fight. Without them they would sustain enormous force causing strain on the wrist from the many jabs and punches extended in practice or the round of a fight.
Now one will not sustain such force day to day yet it’s to get an idea of the importance of strengthening this central area of the body.
The Kinetic Chain Core Response
The human core or (Power House) is essential to strengthening as this will result in not only functionally having a better posture but also the correct placement of more proximal body parts. Proper lower spine and hip alignment, which cause a correct kinetic chain response to the body’s proper alignment of the more distal parts, the head and neck. All the way down the central kinetic chain response into knee and foot weight distribution. Gravity plays a role in this yet that’s a whole different discussion left for another time.
Conclusion
A well devised fitness program will always encompass a series of core exercises. These would also include, technical training in the integration of the full torso alignment, when working the abdominals. This will result in a safe, and a effective exercise regimen.