What does training for core strength involve?
Core refers to the abdominal, lower back and gluteus muscles. Therefore core training refers to strengthening these muscles. A variety of movements including ones which isolate the core musculature, like crunches, as well as those which require force to be transferred through the core, like medicine ball throws. This is essential in many sports such as: rugby when passing or tackling; swimming to stop the body sagging in the middle; and gymnastics to help the arms and legs move in space. Lacking core strength will often limit the ability of the rest of the muscles to work to their potential. Another key component of training the core is “core stability.” This is often described as the ability to react to changes in environment and maintain balance. For example when standing on a boat in rough seas and the surface you are standing on is constantly moving and changing. This sort of situation is typical in contact sports, in which opponents’ actions are uncontrollable and unpredictable. T
