Did you know that your core is actually a group of 4 different muscles that all work together as one system? And that your core is different from your abdominals? Woah!

Before we get into the benefits, let’s briefly define what muscles make up the core system.

4 Muscles of the Core:

1. Diaphragm
   1. An important breathing muscle that is located under the base of your ribcage.
   2. Expands in and out like a balloon inflates and deflates.
2. Transverse Abdominis (TA)
   1. Wraps around the front and sides of your trunk, to create a back brace support for your body.
   2. Helps with posture and spine support.
3. Pelvic Floor
   1. A group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis that control how you pee, poop and have sex.
   2. Helps with holding up your inner organs.
4. Multifidi
   1. Small little muscles that connect your vertebrae to one another
   2. Helps with posture and spine support.

For a better view of what these muscles look like and how they function, head to our blog post Strengthen Your Real Core. 

Now let’s get into WHY you should work towards having a strong core system in your body!

Top 5 Benefits of Having a Strong Core:

1. Reduces Joint Pain
2. Improves Posture
3. Reduces Bladder Leakage
4. Improves Breathing
5. Prevents Chronic Conditions

Reduces Joint Pain

Having strong core muscles will reduce your joint pain by “offloading” the joints. This means that when your core muscles are working well, it will take the physical load off of your joints, especially those around your hips, low back, and pelvis. A strong core helps you move more efficiently and effectively.

Improves Posture

Specifically the muscles of the Transverse Abdominis and Multifidi help to hold the spine upright when they are engaged.

Reduces Bladder Leakage

Yes, it’s true! Remember the pelvic floor is a part of your core system! When your core muscles are working properly, as in strong, coordinated, and efficient, they will reduce pressure on your pelvic floor (thus your bladder) and can greatly help reduce bladder leakage episodes related to stress urinary incontinence. There are some benefits to reducing urgency as well, but that conversation is for another day.

Improves Breathing

Your diaphragm is 25% of your core system. So when you are breathing better, your core functions better. Most of us live busy, stressful lives, which leads to shallow breathing or frequent breath-holding patterns. We actually want our breathing to be slow and expansive. Proper breathing will greatly improve the support and success of your core system.

Prevents Chronic Conditions

Having a weak or poorly conditioned core system can lead to MANY chronic and troublesome body conditions. Most commonly related to hip pain, low back pain, pelvic pain, and abdominal issues. Here is a list of common conditions that can be a result of a poor-functioning core system:

• Low back pain 
• Disc Bulges
• Scoliosis advancement
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Poor posture
• Hernias
• Abdominal separation (DRA)
• Difficulty standing, sitting, or walking for long periods of time
• Bladder leakage
• Pelvic Organ Prolapse
• Hip impingement and labral tears
• Pelvic and abdominal pain
• Stress fractures

Are you looking for more support in strengthening your core? Our highly skilled physical therapists and personal trainers can help! Contact our office today, to learn more about how we can help you. Give us a call at 715-513-6313 or email us at hello@yourfitpt.com.