“Core” training has become the latest craze in exercise. Health clubs push core training for tight abdominals and slim waste lines. Chiropractors and physical therapists emphasize the core for the relief of low back pain. Athletes are strengthening their core for performance. The question remains…what is “core” training and why has it become so popular?

The “core” represents the theoretical center of the body. In an average person the core lies in the pelvis just below the navel. Changes in posture, weight or an injury can affect the location of this imaginary center. Muscles that are closer to this region are most often considered to be the core muscles such as the abdominal and back muscles. They form the foundation off which other muscles can function. Exercise programs that target these muscles are the key component of a rehabilitation program for back pain due to their intrinsic effect on movement.

Despite the recent increase in popularity of training core muscles, the belief that they are an important part of physical fitness is ancient. The foundation of yoga and the various martial arts is in balance and training the abdominals. These disciplines have been around for thousands of years. Ancient strongmen credited their amazing feats of strength to leverage and balance more than muscle mass. Pilates training has been around for nearly 100 years as a core training and rehabilitation discipline.

Although the concept of core training is nothing new, stabilizing and training this region is still critically important. Fitness programs should include components that stabilize the core by challenging balance and coordination. Athletic and whole body movements are becoming an integral part of a complete physical fitness program for all individuals, regardless of age or condition. As a chiropractor I have incorporated the evaluation and correction of core stability as an integral component of every low back patient that comes to our office. Without stabilizing this region, it is nearly impossible to achieve long lasting results. A sound foundation is the starting point of a strong structure.