· By Grace Whitfield · 1 min read
Four myths about your core
Your core is not just your abs, and a strong one is not about crunches. A physical therapist on what actually helps.
After 27 years as a physical therapist, these are the four myths I hear most.
A strong core means visible abs
Your core is a cylinder: the diaphragm on top, the pelvic floor below and the deep muscles all around. You can have a very strong one without a six pack.
You should hold your stomach in all day
Constant bracing tires the muscles you want to train. Let them work when you move, and rest when you do not.
More crunches, more strength
Crunches train one muscle in one direction. Pilates trains the whole cylinder to work together.
Back pain means a weak core
Sometimes. Often it is about how the core coordinates, not how strong it is.