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Fitness After 40: How to Stay Strong at Any Age
The core muscles provide stability to all movements. People think that they are just the abs and back, but the core muscles are all the muscles that attach to the spine. They are called the "pillar. When they are strong they provide stability to the shoulder, hip and trunk...the entire torso.
The core transfers forces between the extremities, upper and lower body. Before any rapid movement can occur through tyhe limbs, the core needs to be solid and stable. The more stable the core...the more effiecient and powerful your movements will be.
To strengthen the muscles of the core you need to do weight bearing (resistance) exercises that target the chest, upper and lower back, shoulders, all the muscles of the abdominal area and hip area.
Think "spine". The major muscles of the core reside in the area of the belly and the mid and lower back, and peripherally include the hips, the shoulders and the neck.
Major muscles included are the pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae (sacrospinalis) especially the longissimus thoracis, and the diaphragm. Minor core muscles include the latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, and trapezius.
Stabilizers:
- Transverse abdominis
- Internal obliques
- Lumbar multifidus
- Pelvic floor muscles
- Diaphragm
- Transverspinalis
Movers:
- Rectus abdominis
- External obliques
- Erector spinae
- Latissimus dorsi
- Hamstrings
- Hip adductors
- Hip abductors
Continue Learning about Parts of the Muscular System
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.