A Firm Foundation

Like a building structure, it is important for the body to have a firm foundation. Unlike that of a house, however, the core, or center of the body creates the base necessary to support the rest of its parts. Because of the many benefits, a core workout should be incorporated into your weekly exercise routine.

Training the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony, will improve your balance and stability.

Core exercises can help tone and define abdominal muscles. Although it takes aerobic activity to burn abdominal fat, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles.

Strong core muscles make it easier to do everything from swinging a golf club to getting a box down from the top shelf or bending down to tie your shoes. Weak core muscles leave you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries.

Many experts agree that well-conditioned core muscles help stabilize the spine and create a firm base of support for virtually all movement. Exercises that strengthen abdominal and other core muscles should be part of an overall fitness plan that includes regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and 20 to 30 minutes of strength training two to three times a week