Understanding and improving core strength - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health Publishing

Understanding and improving core strength - Harvard Health Blog - Harvard Health Publishing

Understanding and improving core strength

POSTED SEPTEMBER 04, 2018, 10:30 AM , UPDATED SEPTEMBER 06, 2018, 3:04 PM

Lauren Elson, MD
Contributor

Core strength is less about power and more about the subtleties of being able to maintain the body in ideal postures — to unload the joints and promote ease of movement. For the average person, this helps them maintain the ability to get on and off the floor to play with their children or grandchildren, stand up from a chair, sit comfortably at a desk, or vacuum and rake without pain. For athletes, it promotes more efficient movement, therefore preventing injury and improving performance.

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