While most people look at the core of a person and judge it by how many shadowed lines they see between each muscle, there actually is a lot more to your core. It really is what it says it is – the core – to everything else in your body. A strong core is the first step that has to be taken if you want to really improve anywhere else.

It is key for the stability and strength of your back, which in turn controls your posture. An improved posture and technique will then lead to improvements everywhere else.

A strong core will enable you to run faster, work longer and lift more and should not be overlooked when doing any exercise – there’s always time to do some core work no matter what you’re doing.

The benefits don’t end there either; researchers for the U.S. Army tracked the injuries of male and female soldiers during a year of field training in which they periodically performed the standard Army fitness test of situps, pushups, and a two-mile run. Those who could hiss out the most situps were less likely to suffer from injuries.

A great core won’t stop you from having to call in sick now and then, but studies show that people with flat abs are:

• 25% less likely to develop heart disease;
• 35% less likely to have a heart attack;
• 41% less likely to develop high blood pressure;
• 40% less likely to develop kidney cancer;
• 60% less likely to develop gallstones;
• 14% less likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Leading on from these undeniable statistics, A Canadian study of more than 8,000 people over 13 years found that those with the weakest abdominal muscles had more than double the death rate of the people with the strongest midsections. No surprise when you consider all the health conditions associated with belly fat.

It can’t be ignored, a good core is central to your quality of life, and if you’re wanting to improve your performance, it is definitely the place to start. And plus, a nice core really does look good doesn’t it slynkey girls!

About the Author

Jason is a Christchurch based R.E.P.S Registered personal trainer and a graduate of the NZ College of Fitness. He has been a former NZ 7’s representative and professional rugby player. He trains his clients from his studio on Waltham Road.