The 6- or 8-pack abdominals? Better known as the washboard.

Believe it or not, what you think is the core is not the only muscles. Those are really just the outside of the other muscles that hold your body and shape your day.

Yes, core muscles are essential to having a strong, stable body. However, it’s not the only muscles that must be trained.

As Harvard Health says, “The core is a group of muscles that stabilizes and controls the pelvis and spine (and therefore influences the legs and upper body). Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement.”

Most of us like to train the abdominals. But we can’t forget that many of the muscles are hidden beneath the exterior musculature people typically train, rectus abdominis. Those muscles include the erector spinae, obliques, transverse abdominis, mul-tif-idus, diaphragm, pelvic floor, the muscles attached to the pelvis (hamstrings, hip flexors, hip adductors), and glutes.

But remember, all those muscles work together in a three-dimensional depth and functional movement in all three planes of motion.

What core muscles are you exercising?

It’s time to get into gear and work the muscles all around, not just the washboard ones (abdominals).

The K.I.S.S. ~ Get into gear!

Your core is the center of all movements. So here are seven reasons to focus on your entire core. This is the new sexy for summer.

1. Supports good posture. As you age daily, you want a strong back and straight posture to encourage self-confidence while protecting your spine.
2. Improves balance. You must have a strong foundation and that comes from a strong core. Balance keeps you upright and falling less.
3. Supports basic leg mechanics: running, jogging, walking. When your core supports your legs, your bodily mechanics flow more smoothly and help reduce the risk of injuries.
4. Increases stability. This keeps your trunk grounded so it can exert more power and energy especially doing workouts or lifting heavier objects. Think of it as the trunk of a tree.
5. Protects vital organs: liver, spleen, kidneys. Consider it a strong placeholder for your organs.
6. Improves day-to-day activities: functional living. Think about lifting groceries, doing the laundry, or dusting and vacuuming.
7. Reduce or prevent muscle aches and pain. A strong core helps to reduce or prevent lower back pain and decrease discomfort.

Get into gear!

Exercises for the core

• Bridge – Raise your bottom in the air and hold for 3-5 seconds. Feel every muscles. Don’t rush this one.
• Supine Toe Tap – Lay on your back with legs bent at 90 degrees. Tap one foot at a time to the floor. Be careful not to rush. And always have your lower back touching the floor. Do NOT raise up your lower back.
• Plank
• Side-plank with rotation
• Mountain climbers – Get into plank position and bend one knee to chest, take it back, and then bend the opposite knee to chest.

CHALLENGE: Work on your core twice a day. Then finish with a great stretching routine.

Get that body working for you. This is the new sexy for summer.

“Train for life. Love your journey!“