Strengthen the Core with Yoga

If you search, you can find many styles of yoga such as power yoga, core yoga, core vinyasa yoga, yogalates, and even other core themed fitness classes such pilates, etc. What do these all have in common? Not surprisingly, development of the core.

The muscles of your “core” or “center” are there to provide stability for your spine. In Pilates, these muscles are appropriately called “the powerhouse.” In the martial arts traditions that I have studied, core musculature is also central, providing a source of power for executing techniques. The core is also a focus of many popular yoga styles, such as “core power yoga” and other forms of vinyasa yoga.

Without detailing every muscle and its corresponding name, the “core” can roughly be thought of as all the muscles comprising your torso, although we generally think of the core as only the “abs.” This vital group of muscles supports your spine and helps keep the integrity of your posture, thus acting to prevent injury from everyday activities. A weak core can put undo stress on other joints, such as the knee and ankle joints. A strong core can make functional movements easier and safer, and make you feel stronger than you ever thought possible. It can also help with balance, mood, and confidence. There is simply no getting around it---your core is at the core of everything you do!