A well-rounded martial arts program should include a healthy diet and a regular fitness regimen that also trains your core muscles. The core area is one of the most underrated yet important aspects of getting in shape

Perhaps one of the reasons why core workouts are often neglected is that most people don’t fully understand what core strength means. The truth is that there is more to it than simply doing abdominal workouts that only focus on your body's front area. Core workouts also help to target the side and back of your body as well as your glutes.

The core muscles are an important link connecting the movements of your upper and lower body. Regardless of which body part you begin a movement, it ripples around the body. This is why a weak core can limit how well your legs or arms function. Building your core through a variety of exercises can improve the power of all kinds of bodily movements.

Core workouts are not just for athletes; it is necessary to keep your muscles strong for everyday tasks. Bending, reaching out for things, and twisting around are just some of the movements that we do daily, all of which require the cooperation of our core muscles. Nobody wants to suffer from an injury just from picking up a pen or trying to fasten your seat belt on. Small tasks such as these can cause damage to your body without proper core strengthening.

These are the reasons why training your core muscles is important:

Prevent injuries: The primary role of a strong core is to support your upper body to reduce your chances of injury in the spine. Each joint in your spine is designed to allow around 4 degrees of movement. If your muscles are not strong enough, your body may involuntarily exceed the permitted range, resulting in injury. If your movements surpass the limits too much or too frequently, this can cause further damage to the facet joints, ligaments, and discs located between the vertebra.

Improve stability and balance: Core workouts are crucial in training the muscles located in your pelvis, hips, lower back, and abdomen. When these muscle groups are strengthened, you can enjoy significantly improved stability and balance in all your movements all of which help you do your daily tasks better and perform more effectively in sports or other physical activities.

Whether you are looking to improve your golf swing or simply need to bend down to tie your shoelaces, a stronger core can help you do almost everything better. Additionally, having a better balance and stability because of a strengthened core will also reduce your risk of falling. It is crucial in helping to support your movements even if you are on bumpy terrain.

Better posture: One of the reasons why people tend to slouch is because of a weak core. Good posture is important because not only does it help improve your silhouette or show confidence, but it also reduces the strain on your spine.

Protect your vital systems: Your core is where the central nervous system and vital organs are located and also where many of the important processes in your body take place. It is also where your body’s largest arteries and veins are stored. Strong core muscles can help ensure all of these vital parts are protected throughout the movements you make each day. The spinal cord plays an important role in your overall health, but if your core muscles don’t support it, your movements will be affected and greatly limited. This can cause pain and reduce your quality of life.

Treat and reduce back pain: A weak core often leads to debilitating back pain. If your abdomen is weak, it is most likely because your back muscles are too strong. When you strengthen your core, you can help bring balance to the back as well as the front sides of your body. This is especially important if your day job requires you to sit at a desk for most of the day which can lead to compressed discs in the spine. This is why core workouts are often recommended when patients need to see a doctor for back pain. With physical therapy and medications, core workouts can effectively treat back pain.

Better breathing: Integrating core exercises into your fitness regimen will increase your lung capacity. Since the core muscles are connected to the diaphragm, working out these muscles can improve the ability to inhale and exhale more efficiently. When the body can take in added oxygen, your heart can pump more blood and improve general circulation and performance throughout the rest of your body.

Overall strength: Core exercises not only strengthen the lower back and abdominals but also the rest of the body. After engaging in a variety of core workouts, you will find that you play almost any sport significantly better. There will be tremendous improvement whether you are surfing, cycling, running, or skiing.

Enhanced coordination: Core exercises stimulate the cerebellum, the part of your brain that is responsible for balance, spatial awareness, and coordination. Core workouts are not only physical workouts but also can strengthen your brain.

Improved flexibility: It may be difficult to believe that just by working out your abdominal muscles, you can also improve your flexibility. Core workouts are an excellent way to help your muscles and ligaments become more flexible by providing stability in your lower back. If your back is stabilized there is significantly less tension and stress, which provides you a better range of motion resulting in improved flexibility.