By Staff
Janet Peterman – Personal trainer
In the ever-evolving world of fitness, new trends and constant research redefine how fitness instructors go about their daily business.
Core training is one such trend that has become more popular throughout the fitness world in the last few years.  
The idea behind this type of training is that a strong core (i.e. the muscles that attach to the spine and pelvis) acts as a foundation for extremity force production, a solid link enhancing upper and lower body energy and as protection for the spine.  
Performing a battery of tests to assess core strengths and weaknesses is helpful in creating an appropriate exercise program.  
Flexibility, stability and strength are various modes of exercise that we can use to build a strong core.  
Since core training is a specialized area of exercise, there is a special set of rules that need to be followed.
Core components
The core muscle system includes the spinal flexors and extensors like the rectus abdominus (stomach) and erector spinae (back).  
Hip muscles, such as the gluteus maximus and medius, and the psoas and adductors, also help form the core.  
All core muscles together help prevent injury and improve performance.  
The trunk musculature serves to protect the spine and acts as a solid foundation for the extremities to work more efficiently.  
Without this spinal protection and stability, spinal inflammation and injury can occur causing intolerable pain and decreased function.  
Body movement is initiated form the core, which acts as the link connecting upper and lower body action.  
From this perspective, a strong core ensures more power potential, increased force production and better energy transfer in activities like running, jumping and lifting.
Safe training guidelines should always be adhered to while performing any exercise.  
Consider the following suggestions before you start your workout.