4 Reasons You Need a Stronger Core

It’s well known that Pilates helps you to build a stronger core; I wrote about how Pilates does it in last week’s blog. But do you know why you need a strong core? I’ve got four good reasons for you – and none of them are about getting six-pack abs (you’re welcome!).

1. A Stronger Core Can Relieve Back Pain

Back pain is a common reason doctors, physiotherapists, and chiropractors recommend their patients to strengthen their cores. It’s also a common reason for people to initially turn to Pilates to help. Pilates is low-impact, making it a great option for anyone. 

Back pain can be caused by many things, like poor posture, bulging or herniated discs, scoliosis, misalignment of your pelvis or your spine, and muscle tightness. The tightness can be in your back, but also in your hamstrings, glutes, or hip flexors. Everything is connected, and the beautiful thing about Pilates is that each exercise helps to mobilize, stretch, and strengthen all areas of the body.   

If you are suffering from chronic back pain, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor and/or specialist. They may want to do tests like an x-ray, CT scan, or MRI to be sure you’re safe to start an exercise program. These tests are also helpful to your Pilates instructor, so they can train you properly if you have an underlying condition. 

2. You’ll Stand Up Straighter

The muscles of your core can be described as an internal corset. It’s a support system for your bones that encase and protect your organs. When that corset is weak, your posture is going to be weak as well. That means if you want better posture, you need to strengthen your core! 

Better posture will help you to stand, sit, cycle, walk, run, and do everything with a taller spine. You’ll also find that you can maintain that posture more easily. For example, when you’re sitting at your desk for long hours, you’ll be able to do it “better”, with less slouching, for longer. Another good example is running long distances. Often your posture will start to hopefully even for the whole run. 

When it comes to spinal conditions like scoliosis, where the spine is curved, you may not be able to achieve that perfect posture. Pilates and core strengthening exercises can still help to even out some of the imbalances and support your posture more easily. 

3. A Stronger Core Improves Imbalances

Most people have imbalances in their body, from side to side or front to back. Those who sit most of the day commonly have back pain with tightness in the front of the body (hip flexors and chest), and a weak back of the body (back, butt, and core). Others may use one arm to do repetitive tasks or are always twisting to one side. 

Everything in Pilates is centered around building core strength and moving the spine, working on reducing those imbalances. The more evenly strong you are from front to back, side to side, the better your body will move in all directions. So not only does Pilates help counter the imbalances caused by your jobs and hobbies, it also helps you to do those very activities more effectively.

4. You’ll Breathe Better

A stronger core holds your body up, which means your lungs are supported better, too. When you have a tall posture, you breathe more efficiently and easily. This is helpful in day-to-day life and while doing sports or exercising. Pilates also supports “breathing better” by focusing on your breath during the exercises. This awareness can spill into your everyday life, reminding you to breathe fully in and out. 

The Full Package

Pilates really has it all. Yes, it strengthens your core, but the stretching and mobility aspects of each exercise also help you to move and feel better in all that you do. Whatever reason you decide to do Pilates, I can guarantee you’ll see the benefits spill over into your daily life in a variety of ways.