So what exactly is our core?!

It can be very confusing to try to figure out what our core really is. Some people think about the core as only the abdominal muscles or the 'six pack' muscles. Others include the back and glutes. When I talk with my clients about their core I am talking about the deep core muscles. Read on to learn why these 'hidden muscles' are so important and how you can learn to activate them and breathe more functionally.

The Deep Core Muscles:

The deep core muscles are four muscles or groups of muscles that function together to facilitate proper breathing, core stability and optimal intra-abdominal pressure. When these muscles are damaged or out of sync, dysfunction can occur.hat include the diaphragm, pelvic floor muscles, transverse abdominis and the multifidus.

The Muscles that form the Deep Core:

• Diaphragm

• The Pelvic Floor Muscles

• Transverse Abdominis

• Multifidus

So how might our core become dysfunctional ?

• poor/dysfunctional breathing patterns

• damaged pelvic floor muscles due to injury or pregnancy

• Inactive or overactive back and abdominal

  muscles

• some surgeries that involve cutting muscles involved in core stability

• lower levels of estrogen during perimenopause, menopause or post menopause.

• poor posture

• obesity

In a dysfunctional core, the body will always prioritize respiration (breathing) over spinal stability. Stressed or anxious individuals who are prone to poor breathing patterns can be at higher risk for losing the protective trunk stabilization efforts of the diaphragm. As mentioned above, poor breathing and posture can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction (incontinence, prolapse, diastasis) as well as back pain. Therefore, it's important to first correct poor breathing patterns and posture before moving on to strengthening the body.

Ready to learn more?

Click here to watch my video detailing what the deep core muscles do and how to activate them through proper breathing.

Need some more help?

Contact me below to set up a private personal training session to help you improve your breathing, posture and core activation.