The importance of the Core

The word CORE essentially means the inner stuff of any machine/ body which is of prime importance for its existence. 

A good core would give the person a much better arm or leg control during martial arts or dance performances; a much better punching power to a boxer, a much more accurate strike during a bowling session and so on. So, it's the bedrock of all movements that we perform. 

This core is made up of a solid bony pelvic girdle and another massive bony structure which is the chest/ thorax. The abdominal area connects the bony cage of the thorax and the rigid and study pelvis. This is the weak link between the two sturdy bony structures. This, if we can improve the control, power  and stability of this vulnerable section then we achieve a strong and dependable core. Any structure which is attached to this core would be able to function better since it would be sitting on a very stable base. It is like a building coming up on a stable base or foundation. 

It is often thought that the core is the abdominal area and the abdominal muscles. This is actually a faulty notion since there is a lot more to the core than the abdominal muscles only. Even the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of respiration, the spinal extensor muscles etc all are part of the core. Weakness in any of these would result in a weak core. 

The core needs to be stable on one hand, and flexible on the other as well as being strong at the same time. Thus, a lot of training is needed to achieve such qualities at the same time. An efficient core provides a stable attachment point to the head, arms and legs. That's the reason the kick of a football player is much more powerful and accurate if he or she has a good core. 

Therefore, it's absolutely important for everyone to understand the importance of training the core and improving overall performance of any physical activity…. either in sports or dance or while using a knife in the kitchen or writing on the blackboard. It's also important in preventing or slowing down arthritis and to improve physical mobility in case of aged and arthritic people. It's importance is supreme. 

Posted By Dr. Prodip Chakraborty, Consultant Physiotherapist