Strengthening your core

Strengthening the core has moved far beyond the pursuit of six-pack abs.

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Once regarded as the preserve of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, core training is now recognised as a cornerstone of everyday health, helping people sit, stand, walk and lift with greater ease and less risk of injury. From office workers nursing back pain to older adults aiming to stay mobile, a strong core underpins almost every movement of daily life.

The core is not limited to the abdominal muscles visible in the mirror. It includes deep muscles such as the transverse abdominis, which acts like a natural corset, the obliques along the sides of the torso, the muscles of the lower back, the pelvic floor and even the diaphragm. Together, they stabilise the spine and pelvis, allowing the arms and legs to move efficiently. When this system is weak, other parts of the body are forced to compensate, often leading to pain in the back, hips or knees.

One of the most effective ways to strengthen the core is to focus on stability rather than sheer force.