What are Core Muscles?

Our core is the centre of our body from which all movement stems. Essentially all the surrounding muscles of the trunk which when strengthened and flexible, help support and stabilize the whole body.

A strong core is essential for proper load balance within the spine and pelvis, helping them work more efficiently and sparing the spine from excessive load.

The core muscles we concentrate on in Pilates are deep in the body and help stabilise your spine in the correct position. These so-called Deep Stabilsers include the pelvic floor, transverse abdominis (tummy), internal and external obliques, psoas (hip), multifidus (back), glutes (bottom), erector spinae (either side of spine), diaphragm and abdominals.

Core exercises train these Deep Stabilisers to work in harmony, leading to better balance and stability.

The Roll-Back exercise (pictured) is a mobility movement, but you have to use your muscles deep in your tummy to stabilise the movement, support your back and help you balance. Thereby training these particular core muscles.

Similarly the Single Leg Stretch (pictured) is a core strength move for all the Deep Stabilisers but in particular concentrates on the deep tummy ones, such as your transverse abdominis.

While the Swimming Move (pictured) strengthens Deep Stabilisers in your back, such as erector spinae as well as stabilising your deep tummy muscles to help your balance.