I like to call the core muscles the "forgotten" muscles because most of us don't even know where they're located or what they do.
Many do not realize the importance of developing and maintaining strong core muscles.
We hear about doing crunches or trying the latest ab exercise machine to get flatter abs or a sexy mid-section, but the core muscles are made up of much more than just the abdominal muscles.
When I was growing up, we were taught to do full blown sit ups.
Years later, sit ups were deemed potentially harmful to your spine, so the ever popular crunches took the place of sit ups when I worked my abdominal muscles.
I hadn't heard of core muscles until I started incorporating yoga and core workouts into my fitness routines.
I soon learned about the core and where these muscles were located by doing poses such as plank, superman, banana, and side bridge.
The core muscles are located primarily between your lower rib cage and knees.
The abdominal and oblique muscles are part of the core, but the lower back, pelvic, and hamstring muscles cannot be forgotten.
Think about what muscles are used when you stand up from a sitting position, when you bend over, or when you swing a bat.
The muscles used in these movements are core muscles.
As you might've guessed from the visualization above, core muscles play an important role in key body movements.
They also stabilize the spine, maintain your center of gravity, and form your posture.
You've probably heard about how you must work not only your quadriceps when strengthening your legs but also the hamstrings? Well, think about what little good it actually does to just do crunches working only the abdominal muscles now that you understand the function of these muscles.
You have to strengthen the back and hamstring muscles as well, so your strength is throughout your core.
One of the most important reasons for strengthening and maintaining strong core muscles is to ensure a balance throughout your core to prevent injuries.
You'll also find doing daily activities much easier as your body is better prepared to handle the workloads of bending, twisting, balancing, walking, and holding your body upright.
As an added bonus, you will develop firmer abs and a slimmer mid-section.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to look great! Our desire for tight, tone abdominal muscles is why the fitness industry has so many ab exercise machines, attachments, and accessories.
My bonus to you? Save yourself some money.
Most effective core exercises are performed using only the weight and position of your body!