10 Benefits of a Strong Inner Core
I talk a lot about HOW to get a strong inner core but do you know WHY it’s so important and amazing!!
First let me explain what I mean by the inner or deep core. Our bodies are made of layers of muscles. The more superficial muscles are closer to the outside and are typically those you can see. These muscles are most often our movers. I also refer to them as vanity muscles because they are the ones most fitness programs target because you can see them. The deep (or inner) core is made up of muscles closer to the spine. Our deep core is responsible for mostly stability (and a little movement too). The deep core muscles I am referring to here include your transverse abdominus, pelvic floor, internal and external obliques, multifidi, and diaphragm. And well you cant really see these muscles except for the external obliques but boy do they have some amazing powers when they are strong and balanced.
Here are 10 benefits of a strong inner core in no particular order because they are all great!
Flatter stomach - The transversus abdomens acts as a corset wrapping around your center and drawing everything in. And strong internal and external obliques and pelvic floor help to zip everything up helping to flatten a low belly pooch, heal a Diastasis Recti, and reduce a c-secion shelf. And no you don’t have to be stick thin to see these changes.
No peeing your pants - A strong (and flexible) core and pelvic floor help reduce incontinence and allow you to lift, laugh, sneeze, or jump without the fear of leaking.
Better sex/orgasms - A strong pelvic floor (this does not mean tight it means toned and responsive) reduces pain with sex, increases blood flow to the pelvic area, and heightens the contraction of the orgasm.
No back pain - A strong core supports your spine and helps you move more effectively. It also helps to reduce any imbalances in compensatory muscles that create tightness and pain.
More energy/stamina - When your core is strong it helps literally hold your body up so you are able to move with more ease and efficiency. So you don’t have to work as hard to do things thus creating more energy and stamina.
Better posture - A strong core literally holds you upright and helps support a stacked posture. And better posture means fewer aches and pains and help you …
Look taller - A strong core can actually help create more space between your vertebrae and lift you up so you look taller and you may even grow taller because of this!
Makes other workouts more effective - When your core is activating as it should all you workouts become more effective. When your center is on point the rest of your body can work optimally as well.
Other muscles (glutes, arms, back) get stronger - When your deep core is strong your other muscles can actually do their jobs versus compensating. So they get stronger!
More confidence - When you feel strong, sexy, tall and capable what else would you feel but confident.
It’s so important to strengthen your deep inner core. There is a lot of noise out there of all the other workout programs that ONLY focus on the superficial, big muscles, especially for moms returning to exercise postpartum. And the way you strengthen your deep core isn’t as glamorous or flashy as those other workouts but look at that amazing list of benefits you can gain when you do!
If you want all these things for yourself too, sign up for my 8 week Postnatal Core Kickstart program (you don’t have to be early postnatal) and start working on strengthening that deep core to get all these benefits and more.
XO-
C