Why are core strength exercises important?

By Dan Wirth

Great question! I'll start with the basics.

The term core as it pertains to your body means 'towards the middle'. Training your core means training your abs, lower back, and glutes. It also includes deeper muscles towards the middle of your body like the transverse abdominus, multifidus, obliques and intercostals. At this point you may be getting flashbacks on every brutal abdominal workout you've done in the past but, here's the interesting part.

Core training is not just doing a thousand crunches every day. The truth is, almost any exercise can be a core strength exercise if done correctly. For example: performing a Dumbbell Military Press while standing on balance disks or a Walking Lunge while drawing your belly button in towards your spine will activate, integrate and strengthen your core.

The foundation of core training is integrating muscle groups to work together. Having strong abs helps to protect your lower back. Having a strong lower back allows you to have normal gait patterning while running which keeps your hips and knees healthy which is the key to good training and great performance. As a triathlete, core training is vitally important to maximize your performance and to minimize injury!

Dan Wirth developed the series of iShape strength training programs which are specifically geared towards helping people develop strength and tone while losing weight. Dan has a Master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Iowa and is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is also certified as a Level 1 Club Coach by the United States Weight Lifting Federation.