In addition to forming a six pack stomach, these 3 benefits of training the core muscles & bull; hello healthy

The core muscles are a series of complex muscles, stretching from the lower chest muscles, abdomen, back, to the muscles around the pelvis. Core muscles play a role in stabilizing and protecting the spine, and are involved in almost every movement of the human body.

Think of your core muscles as the main links of the chain that connect your upper and lower body. Whether you are hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the motion required can come from your core or move through it.

Many people think that training the core muscles is synonymous with a six-pack abs program. Not many know that the benefits of training core muscles are more than just exercises to build abdominal muscles.

What are the benefits of training the core muscles of the body?

Apart from the occasional sit-ups and push-ups, core workouts are sadly overlooked. Exercising your core muscles will be very beneficial for you to achieve optimal body fitness. Read on to find out more about the benefits of core muscle training.

1. Prevent injury

Slouching to put on shoes, lifting heavy cribs, turning to look back, sitting in a chair, driving, or just standing still - these are just a few of the many daily routines that rely heavily on your core muscles, and that you may not notice until your body feels like it is becoming stiff or sore. Prolonged sitting and minimal exercise weakens the muscles in your midsection.

Weak or inflexible core muscles can interfere with the function of the arms and legs. And it drains the energy of every move you make. Exercising your core muscles properly can boost their strength. Developing a strong torso means building stability and core strength.

But, "It is very important to build core stability first, and then build core strength to sculpt the ideal six-pack abs," said Martha Purdy, a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor at Halifax Health Center.

Strong core muscles can stabilize your body coordination and work like a natural impact resistance for your joints helping to reduce pain from injury and preventing falls and injuries during sports or other physical activities.

ALSO READ: Already diligent in exercising, but haven't sixpacks on your stomach? This is the reason

2. Provide good posture

Weak core muscles contribute to the habit of slouching. Core exercises work the muscles in your lower back, hips, abs and pelvis as your true center of gravity, to work in harmony. As you strengthen your upper back and shoulders, the muscles are pulled back and forth, erasing any traces of a hunched back - giving you a stable, good posture. Good posture makes you appear taller and slimmer, boosting your overall confidence.

ALSO READ: 4 Health Problems Due to Bad Posture

More importantly, stabilizing your core also reduces wear of the spine, allows you to breathe more deeply, and hones your fine motor skills. Keen motor skills allow you to react quickly and stay balanced on unstable surfaces, such as when crossing slippery roads. Plus, good posture increases your ability to engage in more intense physical activity, such as running, swimming, rock climbing, or pilates.

3. Delaying the premature aging process

Staying fit also means protecting the vital systems beneath the surface of the skin. The core of your body is not only where your organs and central nervous system concentrate their energies, but it is also where your body's largest (and most important) blood vessels and arteries are located. About 10 percent of body fat settles between the walls of your stomach and your organs, such as your liver and intestines. It's the more dangerous fat, so excess fat in this area can lead to a pile of other health problems - from liver disease to dementia to breast cancer.

Gaining flexibility and stability of the abdominal, back and spine muscles will refresh and rejuvenate the body's systems which help optimize the process of signal delivery to the brain, metabolism, cleansing of toxins, absorption of nutrients, regulation of hormonal balance - all of which play a role in delaying the premature aging process. Ultimately, a strong core makes you look and feel healthy and fit.

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