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🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

The Core Revolution: Why Just Doing Sit-Ups Is No Longer Enough

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • The concept of a strong core in fitness has evolved beyond traditional abdominal exercises to encompass a complex system involving the lower back, glutes, and deep stabilizing muscles.
  • A strong core is crucial for transmitting force between the upper and lower body, stabilizing the trunk, and protecting the spine during daily activities and sports.
  • Key exercises for core strength include the dead bug, which improves stability and lumbar protection, and the plank, which focuses on anti-extension.

The fitness world is shifting its focus from the aesthetic "six-pack" to the functional concept of the "core." This evolution recognizes that a strong midsection involves more than just visible abdominal muscles. Trainers now emphasize a broader anatomical and functional understanding, defining the core as a complex system that includes the abdomen, lower back, glutes, and deep stabilizing muscles.

If the abdominal training was previously reduced to the aesthetic, today the concept of core is much broader: it includes the abdomen, the lumbar region, the glutes and the deep musculature that stabilizes the body.

· Federico GuerraA professor of Physical Education explains the expanded definition of the core in fitness.

This central "control center" of the body is vital for efficiently transmitting force between the upper and lower body. It acts as a movement stabilizer, crucial for maintaining an upright posture and supporting the body during any action. Unlike traditional abdominal exercises that primarily focus on trunk flexion, the core's main function is to prevent unwanted movement and stabilize the trunk through anti-extension, anti-rotation, and anti-lateral flexion.

Its main function is not to produce movement (flexion), but to prevent it and stabilize the trunk (anti-extension, anti-rotation, anti-lateral flexion).

· Federico BozzanoA trainer differentiates the core's stabilizing role from the flexional action of traditional abs.

Developing a robust core is presented as fundamental for protecting the spine from the stresses of daily life and athletic endeavors. Trainers liken a strong core to a car's suspension system, highlighting its role in maintaining stability, an upright posture, and preventing pain. This comprehensive approach moves beyond mere aesthetics to prioritize overall physical health and resilience.

A strong middle area is like having suspension in the car.

· Juan Carlos CóceresA trainer uses an analogy to explain the importance of core strength for stability and pain prevention.

Specific exercises are recommended to build this essential strength. The "dead bug" is highlighted for its ability to enhance stability, protect the lumbar region, and improve coordination. It teaches dissociation between the trunk and extremities, mimicking natural movements like walking and carrying objects without straining the back. The "plank" is another cornerstone exercise, particularly effective for anti-extension, which is crucial for preventing many common lumbar issues.

It teaches dissociation between the trunk and extremities. Maintaining the middle area stable while you move your arms and legs mimics how we walk and carry things without compensating with the back.

· Juan Carlos CóceresA trainer explains the benefits of the dead bug exercise for lumbopelvic control.
About this summary

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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