Why Core Workouts Are Essential (Even If They’re Not Your Favorite)

Why CORE matters

Let’s be real… ab exercises are kinda the worst. Am I right?

Or am I right?

It’s the tease of lying down for me.

Except, core work is the most important because it provides the foundation for the rest of the body.

And you know what happens to a house built without a solid foundation? Well… it breaks.

So, if you’ve been working really hard yet seeing little results, it might be time to shift your focus to the core.

What Do I Mean by “Core”?

When I say the word “core,” I’m not just talking about your abdominal wall. The core encompasses your obliques, hips, back, pelvic floor, glutes, and even your hips. It's a comprehensive system that plays a crucial role in virtually every movement your body makes.

The Benefits of a Strong Core

Building a strong core results in numerous benefits that can enhance your overall fitness and well-being:

1. Better Posture: A strong core stabilizes the spine and keeps everything aligned. This reduces strain on your back and shoulders, helping you stand taller and feel more confident.
2. Better Balance: Those strong core muscles help maintain your body's center of gravity. Whether you’re walking on an uneven surface or trying a new yoga pose, a stable core keeps you balanced and steady.
3. Improved Total Body Strength: A strong core allows your body to move more efficiently. It enhances muscle engagement and awareness during exercises, which means you can lift heavier, run faster, and perform better in various activities.
4. Reduced Risk of Injury: Core strength is crucial for preventing injuries. It helps alleviate lower back pain, corrects imbalances, and relieves tightness in various parts of the body. This ensures you can move well and stay active without discomfort.

Why Core Work Is Essential for All Movements

Because the core is the foundation of all movements, whether you're doing squats, deadlifts, or even something as simple as bending down to tie your shoes, you’ll do it better with a strong core. Every movement originates from or is stabilized by your core, making it essential for functional fitness and everyday activities.

How to Incorporate Core Work into Your Routine

To start building a stronger core, consider incorporating these exercises into your routine:

• Planks: Great for overall core stability.
• Russian Twists: Target your obliques.
• Dead Bugs: Excellent for lower abdominal engagement.
• Hip Bridges: Strengthen the glutes and lower back.
• Bird Dogs: Improve balance and coordination.

I incorporate core work into all of my workout plans. A great place to start is my free Busy Girl Workout Plan. It’s just enough of a challenge that you can realistically fit into your current routine, without totally burning you out. Busy Girl is a 14-day, 5 days/week challenge at 30 minutes a workout… just hit play and move your body to without having to think too much about it. 

While core workouts might not be the most enjoyable part of your fitness routine, they are undeniably one of the most important. A strong core is the foundation of a strong body, leading to better posture, balance, strength, and reduced risk of injury. So next time you’re tempted to skip the core exercises, remember the significant benefits they bring and power through. Your body will thank you!