Core

Core

The core is the central, innermost, or most essential part of anything. In the context of human anatomy, the core refers to the body minus the legs and arms. Functional movements are highly dependent on the core, and lack of core development can result in a predisposition to injury.

Anatomy of the Core

The core is traditionally assumed to originate most full-body functional movement, and it stabilizes the spine. Some of the major muscles of the core include:

• Rectus abdominis: Located along the front of the abdomen, this is the most well-known abdominal muscle and is often referred to as the six-pack due to its appearance in fit and thin individuals.
• Erector spinae: This group of three muscles runs along your neck to your lower back.
• Multifidus: Located under the erector spinae along the vertebral column, these muscles extend and rotate the spine.
• External obliques: Located on the side and front of the abdomen.
• Internal obliques: Located under the external obliques, they run in the opposite direction.
• Transverse abdominis: Located under the obliques, it is the deepest of the abdominal muscles (muscles of your waist) and wraps around your spine for protection and stability.
• Hip flexors: Located in front of the pelvis and upper thigh, the muscles that make up the hip flexors include the psoas major, illiacus, rectus femoris, pectineus, and sartorius.
• Gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus: These are your buttock muscles.

Core Training

Core training is the act of exercising the core muscles. Core training can lead to better body balance and stability, whether on the playing field or in daily activities. In fact, most sports and other physical activities depend on stable core muscles.

See Also

• Abdomen
• Exercise physiology
• Physical fitness
• Strength training

References

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